Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end and team captain Cameron Heyward announced on social media Tuesday that he will miss the remainder of the season with a pectoral injury.
Heyward sustained the injury in Sunday's 35-30 loss to the Dallas Cowboys.
"I would like to thank everyone who has been in my corner this season," Heyward wrote in an Instagram post on Tuesday.
"It pains me to say that I will not get to continue playing this season. My role will change as I can not play but it will not change the goals the team has set out. My support for this team will only grow and I look forward in watching this team grow and fight on. Hate being on the sideline but there is a greater plan taking place. My patience will be tested but I look forward to 2017. My hand will remain in the pile no matter what!"
Heyward recorded all three of his team-leading sacks in Pittsburgh's 43-13 rout of the Kansas City Chiefs on Oct. 2.
The 27-year-old also has 21 tackles in seven games this season for the Steelers (4-5), who will look to snap a four-game losing streak against the winless Cleveland Browns (0-10) on Sunday.
