The Pittsburgh Steelers could be preparing for an extended period without Cameron Heyward, the ironman on their defensive line and the team’s oldest player.
Heyward could miss multiple weeks because of a groin injury he suffered in the Steelers’ 30-7 season-opening loss to the San Francisco 49ers, NFL Network reported Monday.
The report suggested surgery could be an option for Heyward, who is 34 and entering his 13th NFL season. The Steelers play the Cleveland Browns next Monday night.
Heyward was spotted in the locker room Monday during media availability, but he did not speak with reporters. He did not appear to be favoring an injury when he walked through the locker room to attend a team meeting.
Heyward hasn’t missed a game because of injury since the 2016 season when he spent the second half of the year on injured reserve because of a torn pectoral muscle. A six-time Pro Bowl selection, Heyward played a full 17-game schedule each of the past two seasons.
Heyward only logged 10 snaps in the preseason — all in the second game — and was listed on the injury report last week with a stomach issue. His only day as a full practice participant was Friday.
Heyward logged just 14 of 68 defensive snaps in the loss to San Francisco. He re-entered the game twice after leaving with his injury, but each time he returned to the sideline after one snap. He sat out the second half.
DeMarvin Leal also dealt with an elbow injury suffered in the game, and Larry Ogunjobi practiced just once in recent weeks because of a foot ailment.
Given Heyward’s injury, veteran Armon Watts could see playing time after being inactive for the opener. Watts is entering his fifth season. The Steelers also have three-year veteran Breiden Fehoko on the practice squad after he failed to earn a spot on the 53-man roster.
