Report: Steelers' Heyward expected to land on IR with groin injury
The Pittsburgh Steelers won't have one of their top defenders as they try to bounce back from Sunday's blowout loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
Six-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Cameron Heyward is expected to miss multiple weeks and will likely land on injured reserve after suffering a groin injury in his team's 30-7 defeat to San Francisco in Week 1, reports NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
Landing on IR would sideline the 34-year-old for at least four weeks. He's evaluating his options and could possibly undergo surgery, according to Rapoport.
Heyward's injury is a big blow to a Steelers defense that just allowed 30 or more points for the first time since Week 11 last season.
The 2011 first-round pick, who's been a team captain for nine consecutive years, led Pittsburgh with 23 QB hits and ranked second with 10.5 sacks in 2022. He's spent his entire NFL career with the AFC North club, amassing 78.5 sacks across 184 appearances.
With Heyward sidelined, second-round defensive lineman Keeanu Benton will presumably handle more snaps. The Steelers also roster defensive linemen Larry Ogunjobi and Montravius Adams, among others.
Pittsburgh's defense is led by 2021 Defensive Player of the Year T.J. Watt, who racked up three sacks and two forced fumbles against the 49ers.
The Steelers host the Cleveland Browns on Monday Night Football in Week 2.