PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro defensive tackle Cam Heyward suffered a right ankle injury in the fourth quarter of Wednesday’s 29-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. He returned on the next drive, however, and he confirmed to Alan Saunders of Steelers Now after the game that “he’s fine.”
Heyward got injured on the same play that Patrick Mahomes connected to Travis Kelce for a 12-yard touchdown to enhance Kansas City’s lead to 29-10. Steelers outside linebacker Alex Highsmith fell on Heyward’s right ankle after getting chip blocked by Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt.
Heyward was down on the field for a while before getting up to his feet and walking off slowly under his own power.
Heyward had his helmet in his hand and was on the bench after getting evaluated in the blue medical tent. He returned on the following drive.
Heyward was the only reported injury in the game, so Pittsburgh escaped the lopsided loss rather healthy.
“Cam Heyward had an ankle injury but he was able to get back into the game,” Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said after the game. “Don’t have a lot of information about any other potential injuries, probably will have more the next time we get together.”
Heyward is 35, but he’s playing like he’s 25. The 14-year veteran looks like he has plenty of left in the tank.
“He is such a treat,” Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said on the Pat McAfee Show on Dec. 12. “He is playing lights out. His play has been top tier. He is playing as good as he has ever played. He’s an ageless wonder. But I also just really appreciate that he is Pittsburgh born and raised.
“We drafted this guy in 2011, and just to watch him grow as a player and a human, it’s been cool to be a part of that. And it really just makes my day easy, to be quite honest with you. That dude understands what we’re doing here, our approach to business, our culture, our values. He embodies all of those things.”
Heyward is a three-time first-team All-Pro and six-time Pro Bowler. He’s recorded 88.5 career sacks, which is second on the franchise’s all-time list. Having that many sacks as a defensive tackle speaks volumes. Only T.J. Watt has more sacks than him in Steelers history. Heyward also was named the Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2023.
Alan Saunders provided reporting from Pittsburgh