The Pittsburgh Steelers are attempting to move forward and look ahead to their Week 2 divisional matchup against the Cleveland Browns after what was an embarrassing home loss in Week 1 to the San Francisco 49ers. Moving forward is easier said than done at times, especially when you come out of the game doing little right and with a handful of injuries to key pieces.
Jared Wicheram / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers defensive lineman Cameron Heyward injured his groin in Week 1 of 2023 against the San Francisco 49ers.
Unfortunately, the team lost one of their captains for the next couple of months in Cam Heyward who is expected to have surgery to repair his injured groin. As if losing a likely Hall of Famer in Week 1 wasn't enough, the Steelers' top receiving option, Diontae Johnson, is also expected to miss multiple weeks after injuring his hamstring on a big catch and run. It was clear Johnson's injury would be serious as he immediately grabbed the back of his leg as he fell to the ground.
The lone bright spot of these injuries is the fact that the Steelers did add to both of these position groups during the offseason, so there is some depth available to them to fill in. Behind Johnson, there is newcomer Allen Robinson who stepped up big in Week 1 leading the team in catches and yards, as well as Calvin Austin getting his first NFL action and looking like he can potentially fill a similar role to Johnson's in the offense on a short-term basis.
Mariah Wild / Pittsburgh Steelers
Diontae Johnson turns and runs up the sideline against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1 of 2023.
Heyward's injury is definitely a massive blow that will be felt heavily by the entire team, but the Steelers have been adding to the defensive line across the last few seasons to prepare for life without Heyward. No one expected it to be this soon, but luckily this absence is temporarily. With the additions of Isaiahh Loudermilk, DeMarvin Leal, and Keeanu Benton in the NFL Draft, as well as the additions of Montravius Adams, Larry Ogunjobi, and Armon Watts all in the last three offseasons, the defensive line room looks a lot different.
One player that is going to be expected to contribute heavily in Heyward's absence is Benton, who was selected in the second round by the Steelers this past NFL Draft. After putting together an encouraging performance in Week 1 where he played 29 snaps, getting additional playing time shouldn't come as too much of a shock to Steeler Nation.
Steelers Coaches Expecting Benton To Rise Up In Heyward's Absence
Speaking with reporters at his locker after practice, Benton spoke about his role moving forward in wake of the Heyward injury.
"Yeah, we talked about that, and kind of talked to Coach about that a little last night. Basically telling me I've got to grow up fast and be ready to go out there and play."
Growing up fast is an understatement. Benton is going to be asked to help fill the void left by the absence of the three-time First Team All-Pro. Getting tasked with doing so is hard enough, but to pile on top of it his first opportunity to fully show his skills will be against the division rival Cleveland Browns in Week 2 against arguably the best interior offensive line in the NFL.
Luckily for Benton, he believes that his performance in Week 1 was a good first performance which can hopefully lead to more success. Here is what he had to say about his first performance.
"I feel like it was alright. Just kind of getting in the groove of things, going out there. You know preseason, I've heard talk about preseason being so much different than regular season. But like I said before, I feel like defensive line is you putting your hands on somebody and there is going to be a winner and a loser. I feel like it was the same as college."
Getting into the groove is definitely something that can be a struggle as a lineman who is rotating in on a limited basis, so that is one thing that Benton getting extended playing time should continue to help moving forward.
Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers rookie Keeanu Benton before his first NFL game at Acrisure Stadium.
Only time will tell how the Steelers truly plan to replace Heyward during his recovery from his groin surgery, but unless the team ventures out to sign someone *cough* JJ Watt *cough*, then Benton should be expected to be a large part of that plan.
Do you believe Benton could step up to the challenge and help fill in for Heyward? Let us know in the comments below!
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