The Pittsburgh Steelers were dealt a blow bigger than the 30-7 loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. Star defensive tackle Cam Heyward exited the game with a groin injury, which now appears will land him on injured reserve.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Pro Bowler is expected to miss multiple weeks. “He’s likely headed to IR and evaluating all options — including surgery. Decision coming soon.”
Buy Steelers Tickets#Steelers perennial Pro Bowl DL Cam Heyward is expected to miss multiple weeks because of a groin injury suffered Sunday, per me and @MikeGarafolo. He’s likely headed to IR and evaluating all options — including surgery. Decision coming soon. pic.twitter.com/cyCgM7y3XI
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 11, 2023
The loss of Heyward for any amount of time is debilitating for a defense that surrendered 391 total yards and 30 points to the Niners and faces the archrival Cleveland Browns on Monday Night Football.
His absence means we’ll see more of Isaiahh Loudermilk and newcomer Armon Watts, who are next on Pittsburgh’s depth chart. But it’ll take an army to replace him, so rookie Keanu Benton could also pitch in. DeMarvin Leal is also possible, but he suffered a triceps injury and couldn’t finish the game.
Now in his third year with Pittsburgh, Loudermilk has appeared in 27 games with five starts. After Heyward’s exit, he contributed two defended passes and an assisted tackle.
Heyward’s suited up for 184 career games and hasn’t missed one since the final week of the 2020 season in preparation for the playoffs. You’d have to go back to 2016 for his most injury-riddled year when he was dealing with a hamstring and pec tear, which sidelined him for the season.
Mike Tomlin will likely share more official info when he takes the mic for his weekly press conference on Tuesday.
