Steelers official depth chart lists 2 tight ends as 'starters'

Welcome to 12 personnel, Pittsburgh Steelers fans. And take note of coordinator Arthur Smith’s influence on the offense.

In a nod to a roster constructed with plenty of quality tight ends but thin on wide receiver talent, the Steelers codified their offensive philosophy in releasing their official depth chart Tuesday. It lists two tight ends and two wide receivers on its first-team offense.

Of course, the document is nonbinding. Releasing a depth chart is league-mandated, and coach Mike Tomlin has openly said what is obvious to observers of football at all levels: do not read too much into who is listed where.

Still, listing a “starting” offense of “12 personnel” (parlance representing one running back and two tight ends) foretells the reality. In addition to fifth-year starter Pat Freiermuth, the Steelers added reigning Pro Bowl honoree Jonnu Smith via trade over the summer.

Those two have an “OR” between them as the top option at one “TE” spot. Darnell Washington is at the other, with Connor Heyward as the second name listed there.

Heyward is listed as the top fullback ahead of DJ Thomas Jones, who is not listed at tight end. That each side of the ball has 12 positions listed (the defense has a nose tackle and a nickel cornerback) shows both the triviality of the depth chart and that the Steelers could have listed three wide receivers on the PDF document released over social media if they truly wanted to.

The starters at receiver are listed as DK Metcalf and Calvin Austin III. The players listed as their respective backups are veterans Scotty Miller and Robert Woods.

Other items of note from the depth chart, which was made public in advance of Saturday’s preseason opener at the Jacksonville Jaguars:

• Rookie first-round pick Derrick Harmon is listed as the starter at nose tackle.

• Jalen Ramsey is listed as the No. 1 at nickel. This goes along with what has been often displayed at practice — Joey Porter Jr. and Darius Slay play outside corner — but still is interesting because Ramsey is a three-time AP first-team All-Pro at cornerback.

• There an official “OR” at punter, and Corliss Waitman is the first one listed. Special teams coordinator Danny Smith has repeatedly said it is an open competition, and this confirms that. That is notable because Cameron Johnston was signed to a three-year, $9 million contract in March 2024. Waitman performed admirably in Johnston’s stead, though, after Johnston suffered a season-ending injury in Week 1.