After initial reports stating that he might be out only around four weeks, Steelers veteran Cam Heyward is going to have surgery on his groin, which will require a two month recovery time.

Heyward left midway through Sunday’s loss to the San Francisco 49ers. He did try and come back in the game, but after one snap, his injury resurfaced, requiring the training staff to come out and take a look at him.

Heyward walked off the field rather gingerly after leaving for the second time in the game, and did not return after that.

He played just 21 snaps during the game.

Ian Rapoport and Mike Garofolo had initially reported that Heyward was evaluating his options, and that surgery was on the table.

Now, Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is confirming that Heyward will have surgery.

His extended time of absence will likely cover the Steelers’ next seven games (including their bye week) at least, depending on how well the recovery goes.

It’s a crushing blow for a Steelers team that suffered several injuries in the blowout loss to San Francisco.

At the time of this publishing, there is no word on any other injured players from yesterday’s game, including top wideout Diontae Johnson, who suffered a hamstring injury that looked to be quite bad.

The Steelers are going to need players to step up big time in Heyward’s absence.

Larry Ogunjobi and Isaiahh Loudermilk will likely see an increase in time.

It also opens up an opportunity for a guy like Keanu Benton and DeMarvin Leal to step up and make plays as well.

The Steelers host the Cleveland Browns next Monday night, a team that is a run heavy offense.

Heyward’s injury casts more doubt on the Steelers’ defense and their ability to stop the run, something they struggled to do against the 49ers.

(Featured photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)