Veteran defensive lineman Cameron Heyward is currently absent from the Steelers organized team activities as he negotiates a new contract with the club. Despite his absence, head coach Mike Tomlin is not losing any sleep over the situation. Tomlin mentioned that Heyward’s absence allows younger players to get more practice reps, which can be beneficial for the coaching staff to evaluate their skills.
Tomlin emphasized that there is regular communication between himself and Heyward, which is why he is not too concerned about the veteran’s absence in May. Heyward has over 10,000 career snaps, and Tomlin trusts their ongoing communication to keep him informed about the team’s progress. Tomlin and Heyward have a close relationship, and their frequent discussions cover both Heyward’s status and the team’s overall direction.
It is not uncommon for experienced players around the league to sit out voluntary activities like Heyward. If Heyward’s absence continues into mandatory minicamp or training camp, the Steelers may change their perspective. However, for now, Tomlin’s response to the situation remains calm and collected.