Steelers DT Cameron Heyward confident groin injury is behind him

Defensive tackle Cameron Heyward contemplated retirement following the Steelers’ loss to the Buffalo Bills in the wild-card round of the playoffs last season.

The 35-year-old battled a lingering groin injury all year and finished the season with just 33 tackles and two sacks in 11 games. However, he has since revealed that he not only plans to run it back in 2024 but that he hopes to play for a few more years.

“In my mind, I got three years, and I want to maximize them,” Heyward said. “I wanna play at a high level and I want to go deep into the playoffs. We got a good team and I’m gonna be ready for my part.”

Heyward is also looking for a contract extension as he is heading into the final year of his current deal and hopes to be a “one-helmet guy.”

His health will likely play a big role in Pittsburgh’s potential commitment to him, but Heyward believes the groin injury is behind him following a couple of surgeries.

“It wasn’t anything that lingers,” Heyward stated. “I’ll say this, a groin is not like an ACL. It’s not like anything’s ever gone get affected again. I’m feeling good.”

If Heyward can return to his 2022 form when he totaled 74 tackles, 10.5 sacks, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery, he’ll be worth every penny, but that’s a big “if.”

It seems it’s a gamble the Steelers are going to have to take if they hope for Heyward to finish his career with them.

For Heyward, he’s just excited to finally put his injury-riddled season in the past.

“Groin feels great, Heyward concluded. “I can’t wait to not talk about it, but personally, I think I’m feeling good. I’m running. I’ve been able to do everything I want. There’s no limitations.”

All quotations obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted.