Technically, Cameron Heyward broke a defensive record by playing special teams.
Heyward officially became the Pittsburgh Steelers’ all-time leader in games played by a defensive player during his first appearance in Monday night’s game against the New York Giants. And, because the Steelers had possession first — New York won the coin toss but deferred to the second half — Heyward’s participation became official when he was on the field as part of the place-kick protect team for Chris Boswell’s 31-yard field goal 4 minutes and 37 seconds into the first quarter.
Moments later, Heyward was credited with a start at defensive tackle when he was on the field for the Giants’ first offensive snap. The start was the 167th of Heyward’s 14-season career, but more important was that the game was Heyward’s 202nd. That broke a tie with Hall of Famer Donnie Shell for the most for the Steelers by a primarily defensive player.
A pair of Heyward’s former teammates — quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (249 career games) and receiver Hines Ward (217 games) — join 1970s and ’80s center Mike Webster (220 games) as the only players ahead of Heyward on the Steelers’ career games-played list.
Giants inactives
The Giants were without two cornerbacks, Adoree’ Jackson (neck) and Cor’Dale Flott (groin), but cornerback Tre Hawkins played despite being listed as questionable because of an ankle injury.
Also not in uniform for New York were punter Jamie Gillan (hamstring), special teamer Ty Summers (ankle), undrafted rookie guard Jake Kubas and reserve defensive lineman Jordon Riley. Tommy DeVito was the “emergency” third quarterback. Outside linebacker Tomon Fox and defensive back Greg Stroman were elevated from the Giants’ practice squad for the game.
Dump-offs
Former Steelers All-Pro outside linebacker Joey Porter, father of current Steelers cornerback by the same name, handled the duties as the official Terrible Towel Twirl just prior to kickoff. … NFL commissioner Roger Goodell was on hand at Acrisure Stadium for the game. … Former Steelers offensive tackle Chris Hubbard got the start for the Giants at left tackle, 10 days after he signed with the team.
