Cam Heyward Injury: Updates on Steelers Star's Recovery from Pectoral Surgery

Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Cam Heyward suffered a torn pectoral muscle in Week 10 against the Dallas Cowboys that will likely need surgery, ending his season. 

Continue for updates.

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Latest on Severity of Heyward's Injury

Tuesday, Nov. 15

Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reported Heyward will "likely" need surgery to repair the torn pectoral muscle.

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Heyward Comments on Injury

Tuesday, Nov. 15

The defensive lineman took to Instagram with an update, stating he would not play again this season:

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I would like to thank everyone who has been in my corner this season. It pains me to say that I will not get to continue playing this season. My role will change as I can not play but it will not change the goals the team has set out. My support for this team will only grow and I look forward in watching this team grow and fight on. Hate being on the sideline but there is a greater plan taking place. My patience will be tested but I look forward to 2017. My hand will remain in the pile no matter what!

"

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Heyward's Injury Will Limit Pittsburgh's D-Line Depth

Heyward missed time earlier this year after injuring his hamstring.

Before the injury, the 27-year-old had been a durable member of Pittsburgh's front seven. He never missed a game during his first five years in the league, and from 2013 to 2015, he made 45 starts.

Heyward has also become a key part of the Steelers' pass rush. In 2014, he tied Jason Worilds for the team lead in sacks (7.5), and he was the sole sack leader in 2015 (7.0). So far in 2016, he has three sacks and 21 combined tackles.

Losing Heyward again illustrates Pittsburgh's lack of depth along the defensive line. Stephon Tuitt has played well opposite Heyward at right defensive end. Beyond those two, Ricardo Mathews, Javon Hargrave and Daniel McCullers haven't offered much up front. Mathews will likely be Heyward's replacement.

While Heyward's injury isn't the kind of blow that jeopardizes the Steelers' playoff chances, their defensive line is much worse without him.