Steelers DL Cameron Heyward expected to miss several weeks with groin injury

The Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to be without veteran defensive lineman Cameron Heyward for the foreseeable future after he suffered a groin injury in the 30-7 Week 1 loss to the San Francisco 49ers Sunday.

According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, Heyward is expected to miss multiple weeks with a trip to injured reserve likely. All options, including surgery, are on the table.

Heyward, who spent time on the injury report leading up to the game, exited the game during the first half after picking up the groin injury. The 34-year-old tested his groin out to reenter the game before the Steelers officially ruled him out.

Heyward, in his 13th season with the Steelers, remains a highly-productive player, earning his sixth Pro Bowl nomination last season. He has compiled 78.5 sacks, 614 tackles (379 solo), 177 quarterback hits and eight forced fumbles in 184 games (149 starts).

Steelers need others to step up in place of Cameron Heyward

With Heyward sidelined, the 49ers’ run game went to work, specifically Christian McCaffrey. On the first drive of the second half, McCaffrey reeled off a 65-yard touchdown run to extend San Francisco’s lead to 27-7 after the PAT. McCaffrey finished with 152 yards on 22 carries and the score. Along with receiver Brandon Aiyuk, the duo combined for more yards (297) than the Steelers had as an offense (246).

“Disappointing day for us,” head coach Mike Tomlin said after the game. “Not how we wanted to perform. While at the same time, you’ve got to compliment those guys because it unfolded in a manner in which they desired for it to. Oftentimes in games like this, the teams that win are, the game unfolds more to their personality than the opponent. No question, the game unfolded in the manner in… the style of play that they like to play.”

Without Heyward moving forward, the Steelers will lean on others such as DeMarvin Leal, Keeanu Benton, Isaiahh Loudermilk and Armon Watts to replace his production. Leal suffered an elbow injury against the 49ers while Benton, making his NFL debut, recorded one tackle. Loudermilk failed to get on the stat sheet while Watts was a healthy scratch.