The Pittsburgh Steelers are gearing up for a tough battle on the road at Soldier Field in Week 12 against the Chicago Bears. Slowing down this Bears offense, led by quarterback Caleb Williams and loaded with talent at wide receiver, running back, and tight end, is not going to be easy for the Steelers’ defense. Entering the 2025 season, this defense was expected to be one of the best in the NFL, and while they’ve slowly improved over the year, there is still plenty of work to be done.
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Steelers defensive lineman Cam Heyward sips on some water as he watches the defense practice during his hold-in at 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
The Steelers will have a chance to continue building momentum against the Bears, but they may face a major challenge up front. Veteran defensive lineman Cam Heyward, a cornerstone of Pittsburgh’s defensive line, was recently spotted wearing a walking boot on Friday. The report, shared by Nick Farabaugh of PennLive, raises questions about Heyward’s availability and how the team will adjust without him if he’s sidelined.
"Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cam Heyward was spotted in a walking boot on Friday, raising questions about his potential status for Sunday against the Chicago Bears," Farabaugh said on Friday. "Heyward did not practice on Wednesday and Thursday, but was listed as a veteran having rest throughout the week. He has commonly missed practices due to wear and tear, but he usually ends up practicing later in the week for at least one day."
Heyward’s potential absence could put added pressure on the rest of the Steelers’ front seven to contain Williams and the Bears’ dynamic playmakers.
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Steelers' Cam Heyward yells after making a huge play during a game in the Steel City of Pittsburgh.
The team will need depth players to step up and maintain the defensive standard that has been a hallmark of the Steelers’ identity. With the stakes high and a difficult road environment ahead, Pittsburgh will need to be at its best to get another win on the 2025 season.
"The walking boot is an ominous sign for the Steelers, and if Heyward could unexpectedly not play, it would more than likely be Yahya Black starting for the Steelers," Farabaugh said. "If Heyward does play, he is still clearly dealing with some type of minor injury."
The uncertainty surrounding Heyward comes at a critical time for the Steelers’ defense, which has shown flashes of dominance but still struggles with consistency. Rookies and second-year players, such as Yahya Black, will be counted on to fill the void if Heyward can’t play.
Steelers Could Be Without Cam Heyward In Week 12
Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin's game plan will be crucial in mitigating the possible impact of Heyward’s absence. Expect creative alignments, more rotation on the defensive line, and strategic blitz packages to keep Williams off balance. The Steelers’ coaching staff has emphasized preparation and adaptability all season, and this could be the ultimate test of that philosophy if Heyward can't play on Sunday.
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Steelers coaches Mike Tomlin (left), Karl Dunbar (middle) and Teryl Austin (right) stand on the sideline during a home game at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA.
For fans, the concern is real, but not necessarily worst case scenario. Pittsburgh has a deep rotation of defensive talent, and this team has overcome injuries in the past. However, facing a high-powered Bears offense at Soldier Field is a challenge that leaves little room for error. The stakes are high, and the Steelers will need every ounce of experience, skill, and toughness to come out on top. Steelers fans will now watch and hope for a good update around Heyward's injury status as the Week 12 matchup inches closer and closer.
On a scale of 1–10, how worried are you about 36-year-old veteran Cam Heyward playing in Week 12 against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me. I will respond!
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