The first official word about Pat Freiermuth was not encouraging aftrer he was evaluated for a possible concussion.
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ standout rookie tight end did not practice Wednesday, according to the league-mandated injury report. That would suggest he has not made sufficient progress while in protocol after absorbing a pair of hits in rapid succession while making a catch during the second half of the Steelers’ win against the Tennessee Titans this past Sunday.
The Steelers are scheduled to play at the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. Freiermuth would have to make rapid advancement through protocols to be cleared to play. The Steelers are already without veteran Eric Ebron, who is on season-ending injured reserve, and No. 4 tight end Kevin Rader is on the injury report because of a hip injury. Rader, though, did practice fully Wednesday.
The only healthy tight end on the active roster is Zach Gentry. On the practice squad is Jace Sternberger, a third-round pick of the Green Bay Packers in 2019 who has 12 catches over 18 career regular-season games played. He was signed by the Steelers on Nov. 23.
“(Rader) has been waiting his turn for a long time,” Gentry said Monday. “He’s consistent and physical, and he knows what to do and he knows the offense very well.
“Jace has only been here a little, but he’s been a very good tight end in the NFL. If he gets an opportunity, he’ll do great things with it. I don’t think we’re very worried at all with those guys (if Freiermuth can’t play). I think they’ll be just fine.”
Also not practicing Wednesday were defensive lineman Chris Wormley (groin) and veteran cornerback Joe Haden. Haden, who returned in a part-time role Sunday after missing four games because of a foot injury, was listed as a “coach’s decision” for his absence.
Defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs (ankle) and rookie linebacker Buddy Johnson (foot) were also full participants.
In a departure from routine, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was a full participant during Wednesday’s practice. The 39-year-old typically takes Wednesdays off.
Hey, Steelers Nation, get the latest news about the Pittsburgh Steelers here.
