Steelers' Russell Wilson gives massive praise up-and-coming tight end

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson partook in his first practice of training camp on Tuesday. Wilson hurt his calf while training with a sled just ahead of camp beginning. He woke up on the first day of practice with soreness in the calf, and head coach Mike Tomlin held him out of the first four padless practices as a precaution. Pittsburgh held their first padded practice on Tuesday, and Wilson joined his teammates on the field.

During team drills, Wilson connected with fullback/tight end Connor Heyward for a big gain, to which he was very complimentary to the third-year player.

“Yeah, that was sweet,” Wilson said. “Connor made a big time play. Explosive play downfield. He had a great reaction, [and I] was able to launch it down the field to him. He called it a “moon ball.” He came up to me and said ‘Thanks for throwing me that moon ball.’ But it was a good play by him, he did a great job.”

Heyward is looking to carve a bigger offensive role for himself. He has been one of the Steelers’ best special team players over the last two seasons. Over that span on offense, he has 35 catches for 318 yards and one touchdown. In an Arthur Smith offense that utilizes tight ends more than the average NFL offense, Heyward could find himself getting more opportunities.