Coach Tomlin optimistic about Heyward injury, excited for Avery Williamson to join team

PITTSBURGH — Steelers' head coach Mike Tomlin gave an update on the status of his unbeaten team at his weekly press conference Tuesday.

Tomlin said he was optimistic that Cam Heyward would be available this week. Heyward injured his left quad late in the game Sunday against the Ravens. Tomlin also said Derek Watt and Jordan Dangerfield would be able to practice again this week. Both players have been dealing with injury issues for weeks. As for defensive lineman Tyson Alualu, the coach said it was more of a “wait and see” situation with his knee injury.

“I’m extremely proud of some intangible things that were revealed,” Tomlin said, referring to the team’s win against Baltimore. “It was far from perfect, but I thought collectively our guys did not blink.”

Tomlin said the positive COVID-19 test of a Baltimore Ravens cornerback wouldn’t be used as an excuse as the team prepares for its next game against the Dallas Cowboys.

>>>RELATED: Ravens player tests COVID-19 positive day after facing Steelers

As for linebacker Avery Williamson, Tomlin said he didn’t know if his new player would be available for Sunday’s game. He described Williamson as a “football junkie” and said a major reason the team traded for him was because he played in a system similar to the Steelers defense. Tomlin said Williamson played for the Titans who ran a similar system in structure and language several years before he was traded to the Jets. The coach said he envisioned Williamson being used long-term as the third inside linebacker capable of supporting Robert Spillane and Vince Williams.

Tomlin also addressed the injury to Ulysses Gilbert, saying he has been “less than available” with a back injury. Gilbert was not dressed and did not play against the Ravens. The coach said “We’ll see” when asked if he would be available against the Cowboys.

The Steelers are the only unbeaten team in the NFL at 7-0.

Baltimore Ravens player tests positive for COVID-19 day after facing Pittsburgh Steelers - clipped version

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