Steelers DE Cam Heyward Injured In Preseason Game Against Saints

Image via Zimbio

This is some potentially horrible news for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Starting defensive end Cam Heyward left Friday’s game against the New Orleans Saints with an ankle injury.

There’s no indication how serious the injury is. Though, Pittsburgh did officially rule him out of the game.

DE Cam Heyward has been ruled OUT of tonight's game with a right ankle injury.

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) August 27, 2016

Heyward, a first-round pick of the Steelers back in 2011, is among the most-valuable defensive players in the game. He sets the edge in Pittsburgh’s 3-4 scheme and has a knack for getting into the offensive backfield.

The combination of these two things is rare for someone that plays his position. He’s also played in over 90 percent of Pittsburgh’s snaps over the past two seasons.

Cam Heyward headed to locker room on a cart #Steelers pic.twitter.com/w3SWPhB23R

— Jeff Verszyla (@Verz) August 27, 2016

Adding to the questionable nature of the injury itself, Heyward was seen being carted off the field.

That most definitely can’t be a good sign for Pittsburgh’s brass.

In five seasons, Heyward has 22 sacks, 15 passes defended and two forced fumbles.