Steelers DT Cam Heyward Out with Injury

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cam Heyward left his team’s game against the San Francisco 49ers in the first quarter and is questionable to return.

Heyward suffered a groin injury on a play when he hit 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy. He was slow to get up and took himself out of the game. Heyward was treated on the Steelers sideline, and initially seemed set to return to the game, but then later left the game and sought further treatment in the Pittsburgh locker room.

He had only the one quarterback hit statistically before leaving the game. Fellow defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi has also been banged up entering the game. He was listed as questionable, but did dress and was in the starting lineup.

DeMarvin Leal, Montravius Adams, Keeanu Benton and Isaiahh Loudermilk will likely be forced into extra duty with Heyward on the sideline. Leal had been mentioned as a potential replacement if Ogunjobi was unable to play.

The Steelers defense was unable to provide any resistance against the 49ers with Heyward in the game, allowing 17 points on the first three drives of the game.

Cam Heyward was fourth on the team with 74 tackles last season. The longtime captain would obviously be a huge absence for the team defensively.