The Steelers play their third consecutive night game tonight, taking on the New York Giants at Acrisure Stadium, and for Cam Heyward, it will be a record-setting game. He will play his 202nd game as a Steeler, the most by a defensive player in team history, passing Hall of Famer Donnie Shell on the all-time list. Only offensive stalwarts Ben Roethlisberger (with 249 game played), Mike Webster (220), and Hines Ward (217) have played more. Heyward says it’s a privilege to put on his Steelers jersey.
As good as it is to get the record, Heyward says the highly-touted Steelers defense has work to do tonight.
Linebacker TJ Watt says Heyward has earned his reputation as the ultimate Pittsburgh Steeler.
The Giants come into the game with a 2-5 record while the Steelers are 5-2. New York lost to Seattle last week, 28-3, while the Steelers have won two in a row, 32-13, over the Raiders and 37-15 over the Jets.
Watt says the Giants’ Daniel Jones is a big, tough quarterback.
The Steelers are a little more fragile at quarterback after they downgraded backup quarterback Justin Fields to questionable with a hamstring injury. Russell Wilson gets his second start after his return from a calf muscle injury. Wilson says the Giants have a very good defense and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has his work cut out for him.
All-purpose back Cordarrelle Patterson was downgraded from doubtful to out. Joining him on the sidelines tonight will be linebacker Nick Herbig, special-teams ace Tyler Matakevich, wide receiver Roman Wilson, center Zach Frazier, and offensive tackle Dylan Cook.
Safety Damontae Kazee will be back in uniform after missing three games with an ankle injury.
A win by the Steelers would be their 100th win in primetime. They are 99-69 all-time in night games.
NFL
In the AFC North yesterday, the Browns’ Jameis Winston settled in for his first start of the season and threw for 334 yards and three touchdowns, including a 38-yard bomb to Cedric Tillman for the game-winner as Cleveland beat Baltimore, 29-24. The Bengals were clubbed by the Eagles, 37-17.
The loss by the Ravens gave the Steelers the chance to take sole possession of first place in the division if they can win tonight.
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