Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro defensive tackle Cameron Heyward underwent groin surgery Thursday in Pittsburgh, and is expected to miss eight weeks of play. NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo said the Steelers defensive lineman is expected to be able to return around the midpoint of the regular season. The 34-year-old Heyward appeared to sustain the injury in the first quarter of the Steelers’ loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday in Pittsburgh. He attempted to remain in the game, but was ruled out at halftime.

Heyward signed a 4-year, $65.6 million deal with the Steelers in 2020. He’s missed just one game since 2017, totaling 10.5 sacks in 2022 and 10 sacks in 2021. His 78.8 sacks trail only James Harrison (80.5) and T.J. Watt (80.5) for the most in franchise history. His 184 games played are tied with Dermontti Dawson for the sixth-most in franchise history.

The Steelers will host the Cleveland Browns in an AFC North divisional matchup at 8:15 p.m. EDT Monday in Pittsburgh.

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