The Pittsburgh Steelers got off to a rough start in Week 1 of the 2023 NFL season, and it seems they will have to bounce back and build momentum over the next couple of months without one of their top players.
Heading into last weekend, there was a lot of positive vibes surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers’ chances this season. They have a highly-ranked defense, some nice young skills players, and a quarterback with major potential in Kenny Pickett. However, in their season opener against the San Francisco 49ers they were soundly beaten and it became clear the team still had a long way to go if they hope to be a playoff team this season.
However, their road to the postseason has gotten decidedly harder in the days following their loss to the 49ers. Yesterday, it was revealed that WR1 Diontae Johnson will miss several weeks due to a hamstring injury he incurred during Sunday’s game. But that wasn’t the biggest injury that occurred this past weekend.
Early in the game, six-time Pro Bowler Cameron Heyward suffered a groin injury he was unable to battle through and could not finish Sunday’s loss. After the game reports claimed he was also likely to miss a few matchups in the weeks ahead. However, a brand new report revealed the issue is much worse.
Pittsburgh Steelers to lose Cameron Heyward for eight games
- Cameron Heyward stats (2022): 74 tackles, 10.5 sacks, 23 QB hits, 1 forced fumble
On Thursday, NFL Media league insider Ian Rapoport reported that “Cam Heyward is having surgery to repair his groin today in Pittsburgh. He’s expected to miss about eight weeks but will be back midway through this season.”
The news is a devastating blow to a defensive unit that is one of the best in the league when healthy. It also again blocks one of the nastiest pass-rushing combos in the league from playing together after young star TJ Watt missed a slew of games early last season.
Nevertheless, the Pittsburgh Steelers still have a strong defense without Heyward and will need them all to step up in what should be a defensive war on Sunday against division rivals the Cleveland Browns.