The Pittsburgh Steelers have designated star tight end Pat Freiermuth for return from injured reserve. Freiermuth suffered a hamstring injury in Week 4 and missed Week 5. Pittsburgh had a bye in Week 6, and Freiermuth re-aggravated his hamstring during practice heading into Week 7. Pittsburgh placed him on injured reserve on October 21.
For him to be on the active roster, he must practice within the next three weeks.
The Pittsburgh Steelers TE played college ball at Penn State
Freiermuth committed to Penn State for the 2018 season. He had 26 receptions for 368 yards and eight touchdowns as a freshman. He broke the record for most receiving touchdowns by a freshman tight end at the time. He was named to the 24/7 Sports True Freshman All-American Team.
Freiermuth had 43 receptions for 507 yards and seven touchdowns as a sophomore. He was named to the AFCA All-American second team, All-American second team by The Athletic, All-Big Ten second team by the coaches and the media, and Penn State’s Most Valuable Offensive Player.
Freiermuth appeared in only four games as a junior, recording 23 receptions for 310 yards and one touchdown. He missed the rest of the season with a shoulder injury, which needed surgery. Freiermuth forgone his senior season and declared for the 2021 draft.
Pittsburgh drafted Freiermuth in 2021
The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Pat Freiermuth in the 2nd round, 55th overall, in the 2021 NFL Draft. Freiermuth appeared in 16 games and started in nine during his rookie season, recording 60 receptions for 497 yards and seven touchdowns. Freiermuth sustained two concussions and missed Week 16.
Freiermuth appeared in 16 games and started in eight during his second season, recording 63 receptions for 732 yards and two touchdowns. He sustained his third concussion in two seasons in Week 5 and missed Week 6.
Freiermuth has eight receptions for 53 yards and two touchdowns so far.
Who replaced Freiermuth?
There have been two tight ends that replaced the injured Freiermuth. The first is Connor Heyward. Heyward entered the season as the fullback. With Freiermuth out of the lineup, he has filled in the most. He has 17 receptions for 137 yards this season, representing 65.88% of offensive snaps in the last five games.
The other tight end who replaced Freiermuth is Darnell Washington. Washington primarily serves as an extra blocker. He has three receptions for 23 yards, representing 47.42% of snaps in the last five games.
Freiermuth returned to practice
He returned to practice on Wednesday. He has a shot of being activated off injured reserve and playing in Week 11.
Pittsburgh is in second place in the AFC North with a 6-3 record. Freiermuth is their best tight end on the roster and has the best receiving abilities. Getting him back will bring a spark to the struggling offense.
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