Steelers' Heyward hoping his wife gives birth before Sunday

PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 29: Defensive lineman Cameron Heyward #97 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on from the field before a game against the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field on December 29, 2013 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers defeated the Browns 20-7. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Cameron Heyward

Steelers defensive end Cameron Heyward is eagerly awaiting the birth of his first child, but he's hoping his son arrives before his due date -- which just so happens to be on Sunday.

Heyward hasn't laid out any definitive plans for what he might do if his wife, Allie, goes into labor Sunday when the Steelers will host the Oakland Raiders. He hinted that his role as a new father will come first, but is praying he doesn't have to make that choice.

"I would love to be there for my son and I want to be there for the first time he comes into the world," Heyward told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. "I don't think it will come to that. I have my fingers crossed that the baby comes sooner rather than later."

The Steelers are likely hoping right along Heyward since it would be hard to replace their best defensive lineman. Nose tackle Steve McLendon could slide over to end if necessary while Cam Thomas and rookie L.T. Walton would also be in line for reps.

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger left no doubt what he would do when he was in a similar predicament back in 2012.

"I'm not missing the birth of my child," Roethlisberger said via the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "There's no chance. I know some fans probably don't want to hear that, but there's no chance."

h/t: Steelers Depot