Sitting at 7-7, the Pittsburgh Steelers have a pivotal Week 16 matchup against their divisional rival Cincinnati Bengals and need a win to maintain their playoff hopes. Luckily for them, help is on the way. Per the Steelers’ Senior Director of Communications, Burt Lauten, the All-Pro defensive tackle is no longer in the concussion protocol.
Heyward suffered the concussion in last week’s loss to the Indianapolis Colts but didn’t leave the game at any point because of it and no official announcement was made until after the game. He has been cleared by an independent neurological consult and is on track to return on Saturday when the Steelers host the Bengals.
Staying healthy has been an issue for Heyward this season, who missed Weeks 2-7 after tearing his groin in Week 1 against the San Francisco 49ers. When on the field, Heyward is still one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL, so his presence will have an impact on the outcome of a must-win game for both the Steelers and the Bengals. In 8 games this season, Heyward has recorded 30 combined tackles, six tackles for loss, three quarterback hits, and two sacks.
Thompson became a regular in the Steelers’ secondary after a rib injury suffered by No. 3 safety Keanu Neal late in a Nov. 12 win against the Green Bay Packers. But Thompson suffered what was termed a “stinger” during this past week’s loss at the Indianapolis Colts, and despite him returning to that game, that injury (identified as a neck ailment) has prevented him from practicing this week. It has been known for a few days that the Steelers would face Cincinnati without co-starting safeties Minkah Fitzpatrick (knee injury) and Damontae Kazee (suspension).
Veteran cornerback Patrick Peterson and practice-squad elevation Eric Rowe are expected to play the bulk of the snaps at safety Saturday, though other options for subpackages are special-teams captain Miles Killebrew and versatile defensive back Elijah Riley. Riley has been on injured reserve since Nov. 20 because of an ankle ailment but returned to practice this week and was given a questionable designation to play Saturday.
