Pittsburgh Steelers Rumors: Cam Heyward is out for the awhile
The Steelers defensive line struggled mightily on Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers. It was just one of many facets of the game San Francisco dominated in Pittsburgh. Yet, what made matters even worse was a groin injury suffered by defensive leader Cam Heyward, who will now undergo surgery.
Heyward underwent groin surgery this week, and is expected to miss at least eight weeks. He should be back halfway through the season, which surely isn't the worst-case scenario. However, Heyward's importance to this defense cannot be understated. Without him, the second and third levels of this defense will face more pressure than ever before.
The Ohio State product creates that initial surge that help Pittsburgh stop the run and create a pass rush, led by linebackers TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith. Without Heyward around, they will have to hope a new front-3 headlined by Larry Ogunjobi is enough.
The Steelers first test without Heyward will come on Monday night against the Cleveland Browns. Nick Chubb finished Week 1 with over 100 yards rushing, and the Browns were able to dominate the Bengals in the ground game. Deshaun Watson even contributed with 45 yards scrambling on his own account.
Pittsburgh's offense doesn't have the firepower or creativity to win a shootout with any team. That is why they feature the highest-paid defense in football, but that D is now down a star.
Steelers Rumors: Could JJ Watt replace Cam Heyward?
As much as Steelers fans would love to feature both Watt brothers on their defense, it sounds unlikely, per the man himself. JJ Watt retired after last season with the Arizona Cardinals. Per Watt, he's enjoying retired life and isn't ready to return to the gridiron just yet.
"I love the City of Pittsburgh," Watt said. "I love the people there, the way that they treat my brother, the history, the tradition, I have so much respect for that place. It is incredible. I'm enjoying being retired. It's great."
Pittsburgh has employed two of the Watt brothers in T.J. and Derek, with the former Watt being one of the highest-paid defensive players in football. While both have tried to recruit JJ to the Steel City previously, the contracts never lined up, and ultimately the elder Watt opted to retire this offseason rather than pursue one final opportunity to play with his brothers.
The Steelers will need to replace Cam Heyward internally at first, rather than pursuing an outside option. There's no guarantee Watt is in playing shape, either, given he wasn't involved in any training camp practices or preseason weight room activities.
Steelers Rumors: George Pickens addresses social media activity
Another season, another wide receiver controversy for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Even with Antonio Brown gone, Mike Tomlin can't seem to rid himself of diva wide receivers. George Pickens is just the latest in a long line of talented Pittsburgh wideouts who make mistakes on social media.
After a tough offensive display on Sunday, Pickens appeared to like an Instagram comment suggesting he deserved better quarterback play. That, of course, would be a direct shot at Kenny Pickett if true. When presented with the info, Pickens denied liking the comment despite the screenshots in front of him, per ESPN's Brooke Pryor.
"We talked to him [Pickens] right before 1:30," Pryor said. "After he said that didn't happen, a couple of us checked the Instagram feed and the comment was still liked. I screenshotted it. Then the comment is gone and the like is gone."
Rather than owning up to his mistake or simply saying it was an accident, Pickens essentially made this matter worse by failing to take any responsibility. It also reflects poorly on Tomlin and Pickett, both of whom need to succeed this season if the Steelers are going to make a playoff run. It's been one week.
Pryor outlined how important this upcoming stretch is for Pickens, especially with Diontae Johnson out with an injury. Dealing with these petty social media dealings won't help.
"You need Pickens to play with a clear mind and be an effective part of this offense," Pryor said. "The thing that could be his undoing is if he doesn't get in control of those emotions and the frustration that he gets and doesn't know how to channel it."
Clearly, Pickens head is not in the right place.
