Steelers Star Cam Heyward Trying To Provide Impact In New Role While Sidelined With Injury

The Pittsburgh Steelers lost one of its best players in Week 1 when Cam Heyward went down with a groin injury. Shortly after, it was reported that he would miss up to two months, essentially ruling him out for half of the season. Defensive line was already a concern in Pittsburgh, and Heyward's injury only accelerated that issue. Fortunately, the defensive line has held their own without Heyward over the past few weeks. 

Specifically, rookie Keeanu Benton has been impressive, despite still not playing a ton of snaps. In fact, Pro Football Focus has rated him as one of the best rookies from the first three weeks of the season. While the team is still limiting his usage, the rookie was able to pick up his first career sack against the Las Vegas Raiders. As for Heyward, after the recent Sunday Night Football victory, he spoke about how he is trying to still provide an impact despite being sidelined.

"Two primetime games, getting the job done, just proud of these guys. Unbelievable job. [I was] just reaffirming what we've all talked about throughout the week. Seeing what I see from the sideline and just being there when they need me the most," Heyward said to the SNF crew after the Week 3 victory.

In Week 2, Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin didn't clear Heyward to be on the sidelines. The veteran had in fact just had groin surgery, and Tomlin didn't seem to feel like it was a smart decision. Heyward talked about that on his Not Just Football podcast, as he joined the team for the second half. To be clear, he said that it gave him a tremendous mental boost. 

Well, it seemed like he recognized the veteran's impact of being on the sidelines. While Heyward has certainly healed more from his injury by now, Tomlin probably wanted his leadership out there as well. Not only did the Steelers lose their best defensive lineman in Heyward, but they also lost one of their leaders on the field. Unsurprisingly, Heyward was once again named a team captain for the 2023 season. 

Can The Steelers Defensive Line Continue To Survive Without Heyward?

Now in his 13th season, all of which have been spent with the Steelers, he's by far the longest-tenured player on the team. In the postgame interview, Heyward also recognized the Steelers crowd that showed out in Las Vegas, giving them the "70-30" advantage to Raiders fans. As always, the black and gold continue to travel as well as any fan base in all of sports. 

For the Steelers, it's just about getting through this next month or so while some of their key guys return to full health. Along with Heyward in over a month, wide receiver Diontae Johnson should be back relatively soon. The team has missed his separation abilities on offense, as defenses have been able to hone in on George Pickens. Frankly, Johnson is the only guy in the wideout room that can consistently get open.

Once Johnson and Heyward do return, they should be able to make a run at the postseason. Despite the miserable blowout in Week 1, the Steelers sit atop the AFC North after three weeks with a 2-1 record. Particularly, the defense has responded in a big way the last two weeks despite Heyward being sidelined.

Will Heyward be a Hall of Famer when he retires? Where does the veteran rank amongst the best defensive linemen in Steelers history? How much does this defense miss his presence so far? How do you think the defensive line has done without Heyward? Share your thoughts in the comment section below, yinz!

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