Steelers get concerning Cam Heyward injury update after loss vs. Colts

The Pittsburgh Steelers have placed Cameron Heyward in the concussion protocol, the team has announced.

Heyward came away from the Steelers’ road loss to the Indianapolis Colts with a concussion. It is unclear as to just when the veteran defensive tackle suffered the concussion. He was on the field for Pittsburgh's penultimate drive on defense, where he tallied two total tackles. He did not take the field for the Steelers' final defensive drive in the contest.

As was the case with T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith ahead of Week 15, Heyward must now clear the NFL’s five-step concussion protocol before he can return to in-game action. Watt and Highsmith entered the concussion protocol following Pittsburgh’s home defeat to the New England Patriots, but they each received the green light to play against the Colts after being cleared by an independent neurological consultant.

Heyward has already missed six games this year. A groin injury sustained during Pittsburgh’s home opener against the San Francisco 49ers ended up sidelining him for much of the first half of the season. He wound up making his return to action in the Steelers’ Week 9 matchup against the Tennessee Titans.

The Steelers extended their losing streak to three games following their loss to the Colts. They currently sit in last place in the AFC North standings with a 7-7 record.