Overview

• Heyward said he is preparing to play the Jets but declined to commit to suiting up, noting he is still weighing his options.
• He practiced fully Friday and received no injury designation, while defensive coordinator Teryl Austin said he expects Heyward to play.
• The 36-year-old has sought a reworked deal since February after a 2024 First-Team All-Pro season, with his current average annual value ranking outside the top 20 for interior linemen.
• Pittsburgh rarely renegotiates multi‑year contracts and typically stops talks once the season starts, making Sunday a practical deadline as Heyward remains under contract through 2026 on a two‑year, $29 million extension signed last September.
• If he sits, Pittsburgh’s interior line would be thin with rookie Derrick Harmon already out, likely elevating roles for Keeanu Benton, Yahya Black, Isaiahh Loudermilk and Daniel Ekuale against Justin Fields’ Jets.