For the first time in his career—other than his rookie season—Cameron Heyward is not at OTAs. Back in 2011, the NFL locked the players out without a CBA, so the Pittsburgh Steelers had no OTAs. This year is very different; he’s not there at age 35 because it’s a negotiating tactic.
Heyward is coming off arguably his worst season as a starter, but it’s not nearly that simple. He spent the entire season injured, whether on or off the field. After resting most of training camp, he aggravated a groin injury in the season opener. That left him on the shelf for several weeks, and unsurprisingly, he didn’t play to full capacity when he returned.