Steelers Suffer Another Major Offensive Injury
· Yahoo Sports
The Pittsburgh Steelers suffered yet another injury ahead of their Week 6 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as tight end Pat Freiermuth suffered an injury during the team’s final practice session of the week on Wednesday.
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Freiermuth is now officially questionable to play against the Buccaneers with a calf injury.
Darnell Washington would start in place of Freiermuth if he is unable to play, and veteran third-stringer Robert Tonyan would be expected to see a significant uptick in his role if Freiermuth can’t play.
“I love all three of them,” head coach Mike McCarthy said on Monday. “I think [Tonyan] gives us another veteran piece there.”
The Steelers were hoping that they may be able to lean more on their tight ends this week in Tampa, with three of their top five wide receivers expected to miss Sunday’s game. Wide receivers Michael Pittman Jr.,Roman Wilson and Ben Skowronek have all already been ruled out against the Buccaneers.
“I think that’s what’s nice about having the flexibility with the tight ends,” offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio said on Monday. “I think the way — with the versatility of Darnell and Pat, you saw it the other night, we’re in — maybe a play is out of 11 personnel, but we quickly can flip and get it out of 12 personnel.”
Now, the ability to lean on the tight ends may be degraded by the potential absence of Freiermuth, who has had a very strong start to the season. Through five games, he’s made 19 catches for 169 yards and is tied for the NFL lead among tight ends with four touchdown receptions.
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth scores a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts on Oct. 11, 2026. — Ed Thompson / Steelers NowWashington has also been productive, with 11 catches for 131 yards and one touchdown. Tonyan, who is in his first season in Pittsburgh, but has plenty of experience with McCarthy and Aaron Rodgers from his time with the Green Bay Packers, has just one catch for two yards on the season.
Rookie fullback Riley Nowakowski has also played some tight end this season, with five of his 20 offensive snaps coming as a tight end or wing player. If the Steelers want to call up a tight end from their practice squad, undrafted rookie Lake McRee out of USC is their only option.
The Steelers did get some good news on Saturday regarding the availability of their offensive weapons for Sunday’s game, as wide receiver DK Metcalf, was was initially listed as questionable to play with an illness, had his injury designation removed and he will play.
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