Steelers' Cameron Heyward follows 'bulls---' unnecessary roughness penalty with a Minkah Fitpatrick sideline spat

David Suggs

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Steelers' Cameron Heyward follows 'bulls---' unnecessary roughness penalty with a Minkah Fitpatrick sideline spat image

Things always seem to get a little chippy when the Steelers play the Ravens.

Pittsburgh defensive tackle Cameron Heyward put that theory to the test on Sunday, getting into it with pair of Baltimore linemen deep in the second quarter of the AFC North foes latest matchup.

On third and long, the Ravens seemingly were content with taking the chip shot field goal and heading into halftime with a three point edge over their rivals. However, Heyward, Ronnie Stanley and Ben Powers got into it getting up off the field after JK Dobbins' run attempt was stopped close to the line of scrimmage.

MORE: Updates and highlights from Steelers vs. Ravens 

The trio bumped and tugged with one another, with Stanley appearing to grab a handful of Heyward's jersey. Heyward awkwardly extended his arms, making contact with the nearest referee.

That's not permitted, by the letter of the NFL's law. Heyward was whistled for unnecessary roughness, giving Baltimore a new set of downs while allowing John Harbaugh's squad to take one last shot at the end zone.

The Ravens made Pittsburgh pay; Tyler Huntley linked up with Isaiah Likely for a seven-yard touchdown to take the lead.

Heyward was less than pleased. In fact, he was fuming as he trotted back to the sideline.

He wasn't the only one. Fellow Pittsburgh leader Minkah Fitzpatrick shared words with Heyward, drawing an animated response from the longtime Steeler in the process. 

Pittsburgh's playoff hopes are only hanging on by a thread courtesy of its victory over Las Vegas last week. Those hopes certainly took a hit due to Heyward's flag. Only time will tell if it proves fatal.

David Suggs

David Suggs Photo

David Suggs is a content producer at The Sporting News. A long-suffering Everton, Wizards and Commanders fan, he has learned to get used to losing over the years. In his free time, he enjoys skateboarding (poorly), listening to the likes of Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and D’Angelo, and penning short journal entries.