Steelers' Cameron Heyward 'preparing' to play vs. Jets Sunday - ESPN

PITTSBURGH — Amid prolonged contract talks with the Pittsburgh Steelers, defensive captain and four-time All-Pro defensive lineman Cameron Heyward said Friday he's «preparing» when asked if he was going to play vs. the New York Jets on Sunday.

However, Heyward didn't commit to being on the field for the team's season opener.

«I'm preparing,» he said. «Still got some time, but we'll see.»

Asked if his playing status hinged on the completion of a reworked contract, Heyward was vague.

«I wish I had a straight answer for you right now,» he said. «All I can tell you is I've had to have a lot of tough conversations with my family.»

Heyward was equally vague about his level of optimism that the contract situation would be resolved by Sunday.

«I wish I could be more optimistic, but [I] just try and stay in the moment,» he said. «I don't have all the answers so it's more of me just waiting and seeing what can happen.»

Though Heyward declined to give a definitive status for Sunday, his coaches and teammates have been firm throughout the week that they expect him to play at MetLife Stadium.

«Absolutely,» defensive coordinator Teryl Austin said. «He's been practicing, so I'm anticipating him playing.»

Heyward acknowledged that the Steelers typically don't negotiate contracts in-season, making Sunday a de facto deadline for something to get worked out. The 36-year-old said he hasn't thought about his availability the rest of the season if a deal isn't worked out by the official start of the regular season.

«I don't want to have to think about that,» he said. «I'd like to be think cooler heads prevail and we move forward, but if it does get to that, we'll cross that bridge when we get there.»

Heyward was a brief hold-in late in