Steelers DL Cam Heyward to Have Surgery

PITTSBURGH — Steelers star defensive lineman Cam Heyward will have groin surgery after suffering a significant injury against the San Francisco 49ers, head coach Mike Tomlin said on Tuesday.

The injury occurred on a play when Heyward lunged towards Brock Purdy to make a play. He returned to the game but had to leave and did not return after the second quarter. The injury was not something that nagged him, and instead did happen in-game, Tomlin confirmed

“Cam is out,” Tomlin said. “I don’t have a lot of details in terms of scheduling, surgery, or what that might look like. I’ll give you an update when we get on the other side of the surgery as a complete totality of time what it is, and so forth. Losing Cam is significant, but that’s what team is about. Replacing Cam is not a one-man job, it is a multiple man’s job and a coach’s job.”

Guys such as Keeanu Benton, Montravius Adams, Isaiahh Loudermilk, Armon Watts, and others will be critical to step up with Heyward out. It is a tough blow for the Steelers to swallow for their All-Pro defensive lineman, who has been a bastion of health over his career. The groin injury is the first significant injury he has had in recent years, and now the load will go even more onto T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith to make things happen.

Mike Tomlin did not turn away from the idea that Cam Heyward could be replaced through the outside rather than what they have in-house. Breiden Fehoko is the top candidate to replace Heyward’s roster spot on the 53-man roster. If he goes on injured reserve, Heyward will be out through at least the Steelers’ bye week, but it seems likelier that he will be out until November. If that occurs, Heyward’s likely return date would be November 12th against the Green Bay Packers.

Alan Saunders provided reporting from Pittsburgh.