First reception this season in blowout win

Heyward-Bey caught his lone target for nine yards during Thursday's 52-21 win over Carolina.

Analysis: DHB entered the contest without a catch on the season and only one reception dating back to Week 8 of 2017. Now in his 10th season in the league, Heyward-Bey is an unrestricted free agent next season.

Full participant Thursday

Heyward-Bey (ankle) was a full participant at practice Thursday, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Analysis: Heyward-Bey missed Pittsburgh's last three games due to his ankle injury, but the team's Week 7 bye appears to have afforded him enough time to recover. He'll be expected to return to his role as a depth receiver for this week's matchup with Cleveland.

Limited in practice again

Heyward-Bey (ankle) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

Analysis: Heyward-Bey appears to have progressed in his recovery during the team's Week 7 bye but hasn't completely recovered from a lingering ankle issue. The depth wideout's availability for Sunday's game against the Browns will be determined by his participation in practice as the week continues.

Practices on limited basis

Coach Mike Tomlin said Heyward-Bey (ankle) was a partial participant in Monday's practice, Dale Lolley of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.

Analysis: The Steelers won't hold their first official practice of Week 8 until Wednesday, but the team reconvened for a workout Monday coming off a Week 7 bye. The week off looks like it has done Heyward-Bey some good, as he was unable to practice in any capacity in Week 6 before sitting out the Steelers' 28-21 win over the Bengals. He should have a good shot at being available for Sunday's game against the Browns, though Heyward-Bey's standing as the fifth or sixth man on the depth chart at receiver…read more

Ruled out for Week 6

Heyward-Bey (ankle) will not play against the Bengals on Sunday.

Analysis: Going into last week's matchup against the Falcons, Heyward-Bey was listed as doubtful but ultimately didn't play. The Maryland product was unable to practice in any capacity this week. Heyward-Bey will have the next two weeks to recover, as the Steelers have their bye in Week 7.

Doubtful for Week 5

The Steelers are listing Heyward-Bey (ankle) as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Falcons, Teresa Varley of the team's official site reports.

Analysis: Heyward-Bey was sidelined throughout the week of practice after exiting Sunday's loss to the Ravens with the ankle injury. He's logged just 16 offensive snaps through the Steelers' first four games, so his expected absence won't have much impact on the team's passing game.

Exits with ankle injury

Heyward-Bey left Sunday's game against the Ravens with an ankle injury and won't return, Dale Lolley of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.

Analysis: Heyward-Bey logged 11 snaps on offense and 54 on special teams through the first three weeks of the season, after catching just two passes in 16 games last year. He's merely used as an emergency option in the Pittsburgh offense.

Heyward-Bey was not targeted, but ran once for a 29-yard touchdown in Sunday's 28-24 win over the Browns, finishing the 2017 season with two catches (on three targets) for 47 yards. He also ran two times for 32 yards and the one touchdown playing in all 16 games.

Analysis: The two receptions were the fewest in a season during DHB's nine-year career, and only the second time in his career without a touchdown reception, while the rushing touchdown was his second in two seasons. Although he is under contract until 2019, Heyward-Bey is only guaranteed $400,000, so his future with the Steelers may be in question.

Heyward-Bey returned to Sunday's game against the Colts after injuring his foot, Burt Lauten of the Steelers' official site reports.

Analysis: Heyward-Bey was only out for a series before he was deemed healthy enough to get into the game. He'll return to his role as a depth receiver with special teams upside.