The Pittsburgh Steelers fans were feeling great heading into the season opener. Not only did they have a favorable matchup on paper against the rebuilding New York Jets, but they managed to reach an agreement with defensive lineman Cam Heyward on a revised contract. This was welcoming news, as Heyward was in the midst of a hold-in until a new contract was agreed upon.
But on Sunday, the Steelers found themselves in an offensive shootout against the Jets and former starting quarterback Justin Fields. But in the fourth quarter, after Fields was stopped short of the end zone on a long run, there was a stoppage in play. Heyward took a knee after the play and was getting checked out by Steelers' medical staff. He walked off the field under his own power, and Steelers fans were left wondering if he was dealing with a serious injury.
Instead, Heyward returned to the field relatively quickly. So, a crisis was averted.
Cam Heyward gives Steelers fans an injury scare late in Week 1 vs. Jets
It's good news for Heyward that he didn't exit the game. However, fans are going to want to know what kind of injury or ailment he was dealing with after that fourth-quarter play.
On Sunday, the Steelers and Heyward reached an agreement on a revised contract that gives the defensive lineman up to $3.2 million in incentives. Those incentives are tied to the playoffs and playoff wins, meaning his maximum salary for the 2025 season is near $18 million. That was just enough for Heyward to sign on the dotted line and give the Steelers his word that he would be on the field for the season.
The last thing the Steelers needed to deal with was an injury to one of their best players on defense. Luckily, it seems as though a crisis was averted.