How will Steelers fill void left by All-Pro DT Cameron Heyward?

There are a lot of concerns surrounding the Steelers following their 30-7 loss to the 49ers in Week 1, but the biggest may be how the team will look without six-time Pro Bowl and All-Pro DT Cameron Heyward.

Heyward went down with a groin injury in the game. He will have surgery to repair it and is expected to miss up to eight weeks.

It's certainly a big blow to Pittsburgh's defensive line as Heyward, a team captain, has been one of the NFL's top interior defensive linemen for years.

Now, the Steelers are left searching for answers. Who is the next man up?

There may not be one specific player to fill Heyward's void. For most of the offseason, Pittsburgh believed it had one of the deepest defensive line rooms in the league. That belief will now be put to the test.

The favorite to step in right away is rookie DL Keeanu Benton, a second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Benton played every position on the defensive line at Wisconsin and can prove his versatility with an expanded role.

The Steelers could also look to second- and third-year players in DeMarvin Leal and Isaiahh Loudermilk or even promote Breiden Fehoko, who impressed in training camp, to the 53-man roster.

Although it feels unlikely, Pittsburgh may opt to bring in outside talent as well. Free agents Chris Wormley or Matt Ioannidis are the top defensive linemen available. Wormely played for the Steelers from 2020-22.

However Pittsburgh fills the absence of Heyward, fans are surely wondering how much the 34-year-old has left in him. It's a reality nobody wants to think about, but one that is closer than many want to admit.