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Cameron Heyward says Pittsburgh Steelers using next man up mentality in TJ Watt’s absence: ‘Guys gotta step up’

Michael Hanich

By Michael Hanich

Published:

Former Ohio State pass rusher and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward believes his team has the talent to replace injured star pass rusher T.J. Watt. Watt tore his pectoral in the Week 1 23-20 overtime road win over the Cincinnati Bengals.

Heyward stated that the Steelers aren’t going to change what they do on defense just because Watt will be out. It all comes down to having depth, and other people who are willing to step up per ESPN’s Brooke Pryor.

“Obviously, you don’t want to play without a guy like that, but guys gotta step up,” defensive captain Cameron Heyward said of Watt. “We’re not reinventing the wheel. We’re not going out there saying that we have to change up our entire scheme and stuff, but we just gotta make sure we do our jobs.”

The former Wisconsin star pass rusher in Watt could return in about six weeks. He is coming off a 2021 NFL season where he was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Watt was placed on the IR on Thursday.

Malik Reed is a player that could start in place of Watt while he recovers. Other candidates to be considered as the main pass rusher for Pittsburgh include Myles Jack, starting opposite from Watt, and rookie Mark Robinson.

Here is depth chart from the Steeler’s Senior Director of Communications Burt Lauten:

Michael Hanich