Just a few days ago, is appeared the Pittsburgh Steelers were assured of getting Pat Freiermuth back. But the week ended with the team knowing it will still have to play without their starting tight end.
Freiermuth will not play in Sunday’s game at the Los Angeles Rams, according to the official league-mandated status report released Friday. During Thursday’s practice, Freiermuth aggravated a hamstring injury suffered two weeks ago.
“It’s tough. He’d just recently got back (to practice),” rookie tight end Darnell Washington said after Friday’s practice at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. “Things like that happen, but it’s tough for the team. Definitely, at the beginning of the week we didn’t expect it.”
Freiermuth was injured during the Oct. 1 loss at the Houston Texans. He did not practice during the ensuing week and was not in uniform for the Steelers’ Oct. 8 win against the Baltimore Ravens. But after the bye week, Freiermuth practiced Monday and Wednesday and had pronounced himself good to return this week.
Thursday’s aggravation changed things.
In Freiermuth’s stead against the Ravens, Washington played 46 of the Steelers’ 66 offensive snaps. Connor Heyward played 37 (albeit four were at fullback), and Rodney Williams played four in his NFL debut.
The group’s only production in the receiving game was three catches for 23 yards by Heyward. Washington did not catch either of two targets. Signed to the active roster days beforehand, Williams was not targeted.
“It’s just more, more snaps, more plays,” Heyward said of differences in his deployment when Freiermuth is not available. “Me and Pat, we are very similar in the receiving aspect, but at the same time, I do more fullback when he’s involved.
“Me and Darnell have to be ready to step up, and when Rodney’s number is called, he needs to step up as well. I feel like we are all prepared. Last game was … good prep for us to have that and have the bye week and now go and make the most of our opportunities.”
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