The 4-2 Pittsburgh Steelers are a team who has befuddled media pundits for weeks how they seemingly find ways to win games. Sometimes it’s because of the defense, others have seen the offense wake up at the right time in the form of a dramatic finish.

One thing which hasn’t been on the Steelers side, at least not in the early portion of the season, is if they have been a healthy unit who has avoided the injury bug. Rather, the Steelers have already had several big name players land on Injured Reserve (IR).

Week 1 saw three players end up on IR in the form of Cam Heyward (groin), Diontae Johnson (hamstring), and Anthony McFarland Jr. (knee). Johnson has already returned to the lineup, McFarland has had his 21-day window to return started last week, but what about the team’s defensive captain?

Mike Tomlin was asked specifically about Heyward’s return during his Tuesday press conference, and he simply said there was no update. Tomlin wasn’t breaking any rules, as he doesn’t have to provide updates to the media when a player is on IR. However, the fan base has slowly gotten some information about Heyward and his potential return.

Before the bye week it was reported Heyward has just started running, this after he underwent surgery to repair his injured groin. Running in a straight line is one thing, but making cuts is what can be the true test for a groin injury.

On Wednesday, Nick Farabaugh of Steelers Now shared a video of Heyward working on running the arch at the Steelers UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.

Check it out:

Doesn't look like No. 97 is too far off… pic.twitter.com/8fLvPCto5X

— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) October 25, 2023

So, when will Heyward return? That has yet to be seen, but a date which has been circulating among the Steelers organization is the game vs. the Green Bay Packers in Week 10. If you think about the next couple games, that seems like a realistic time for Heyward to potentially return, if his body is healed and ready.

In Week 8 the Steelers host the Jacksonville Jaguars, then have to prepare for the Tennessee Titans on a short week on Thursday Night Football in Week 9. The “mini bye” might just be the perfect time for Heyward to return.

Heyward has said openly he is returning this regular season, and it looks as if he is getting closer. The run defense could absolutely use him.

Be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for the rest of the regular season.