Steelers’ veteran D-linemen Cameron Heyward, Larry Ogunjobi continue to miss practice time

Chris Adamski | Thursday, September 7, 2023 6:05 p.m.

Chaz Palla | Tribune-Review

Shown going through a drill during a training-camp practice last month, Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Cameron Heyward did not practice Thursday and was limited Wednesday this week during the lead up to the regular-season opener Sunday.

Three days out from their regular-season opener, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ two most important defensive linemen remain on the injury report and continue to miss practice time.

Cameron Heyward (stomach) and Larry Ogunjobi (foot) each remain expected to play Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers at Acrisure Stadium. But each also is listed on the injury report. Ogunjobi rarely has practiced fully for four weeks, and he has been listed as a limited participant the past two days. It is unclear if this foot ailment is related to the surgery he underwent in the spring of 2022 that severely limited Ogunjobi’s practice time last season.

Heyward’s regular weekly day off — a perk coach Mike Tomlin affords to older veterans — is Thursday. The 34-year-old Heyward did not practice at all Thursday, and he indicated the injury is what had prevented him from fully participating Wednesday.

Heyward participated in a regular media interview session before Thursday’s practice, and there has been no reason to believe from anything he or Tomlin or defensive coordinator Teryl Austin has said this week that Heyward will not be available for Sunday’s game.

The Steelers have bolstered their depth on the defensive line in recent years, with recent second-day draft picks DeMarvin Leal and rookie Keeanu Benton viable options for playing time in addition to third-year pro Isaiahh Loudermilk and experienced veterans Montravius Adams and Armon Watts.

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