Steelers Veteran Cam Heyward Had A Core Muscle Injury During Training Camp, Which Likely Contributed To His IR Stint

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had to ask a lot out of Cam Heyward over the last few years. This season marks his 13th year in the NFL, all of which have been spent in the Steel City. Now 34 years old, the expectation was still for him to be "the guy" along the defensive line. The team drafted Keeanu Benton in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft and were able to re-sign Larry Ogunjobi as well.

Still, Heyward remains the most talented player along that unit (by far). Unfortunately, he suffered a significant groin injury in Week 1 against the San Francisco 49ers and has been on the IR since. On Thursday, it was reported that he has returned to practice, which has officially opened up the 21-day window for his activation. Additionally, when speaking to the media on Thursday, he said that he came into the season with an injury completely separate from the groin issue, as gathered by Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

"I knew it was bad because I couldn't finish the game," explained Heyward. "Both [the abductor and core muscle injuries] played a part in it. It happens in the game we play. I'm not running away from it. I'm just excited to get back out there when I can. It's been a process," Heyward said on Thursday.

Essentially, Heyward missed all of that time in training camp due to a core muscle injury. In his absence, Benton has looked promising in spurts, yet the Steelers continue to hold him back in a part-time role, as he's seen just 37% of the team's defensive snaps this season. With that, it's obvious that Pittsburgh needs Heyward back desperately. The defensive line has held their own at times, but have been completely overmatched in other instances. The run defense continues to be one of the worst in the NFL.

Through seven weeks of the season, their 4.7 yards per carry allowed is sixth-worst in the league. Heyward will obviously bring yet another pass rushing option into the fold as well. Coming into this year, he was coming off back-to-back double-digit sack campaigns, as his 10.5 total in 2022 was second-best in his accomplished career. The defensive line, which obviously does not include star outside linebackers TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith, have accounted for just four sacks in 2023.

When Will The Steelers Activate Heyward?

As if it wasn't already clear, defensive line should be a major priority for the Steelers next offseason. While Heyward continues to be great when he's on the field, the team can't expect him to maintain this kind of success for much longer. Benton was a good start to the youthful transition amongst that group, but they'll need to invest even more in the 2024 NFL Draft.

It's not good that injuries seem to be kicking in for Heyward, but it's what is expected given his age. That means he has now suffered two notable injuries in the last few months, so the team will likely ease him back upon his return. In the end, they need him for the long run of the season more than just a game or two. Heyward was limited on Thursday's practice, which signifies that he's close to a return. 

If not this upcoming weekend against the Jacksonville Jaguars, a Week 9 return for the star seems likely. By then, the defense will be fully (knock on wood) healthy. It couldn't come at a better time, as we are now to the part of the season where the team has to start racking up more wins to return to the postseason. Pittsburgh is starting to do that, as the defense has been a huge reason as to why they sit at 4-2 heading into Week 8 with their ability to make key splash plays when they matter most.

With Heyward back, how much do you expect the run defense to improve? Do the Steelers have a legitimate chance to make the playoffs and possibly make a run?