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Cam Heyward Adds Tush-Push Duty in Steelers’ Division-Clinching Win

An injury to Darnell Washington led Pittsburgh to use the veteran lineman as the short-yardage pusher.

Overview

  • Pressed into the pusher role in Week 18, Cam Heyward’s first attempt failed when he inadvertently tackled his brother, Connor, on fourth-and-one, according to Connor’s account.
  • In the third quarter the Steelers ran it again, Heyward executed the push, Connor converted, then scored from the 1 to help seal a 26-24 victory over the Ravens.
  • Heyward also anchored the defense with seven tackles and a third-quarter pass deflection that set up a T.J. Watt interception, earning an 80.3 Pro Football Focus grade.
  • Coach Mike Tomlin cited Darnell Washington’s Week 17 broken forearm as the reason for the move, saying the team “needed a big guy,” while former Steelers praised Heyward’s leadership.
  • Pittsburgh clinched the AFC North and will host the Texans in the Wild Card on Jan. 12, with multiple reports indicating the tush-push package with Heyward is expected to stay in the plan.