The former Bradford and Norwich defender has been laid low with hamstring injury which he picked up just after he returned from his summer break.
Heckingbottom, one of last season's most improved players, faces more of a challenge to keep his place this season following the arrival of John Hills from Gillingham.
Lee Bullen is still struggling with an Achilles tendon problem but should be alright for the start of the championship campaign despite not playing last night.
Fans who attended the game at Field Mill came back with good reports regarding new loan signing Chris Eagles while Frankie Simek made his first appearance for the club as a fully-fledged Wednesday player following his signing on a three-year deal yesterday.