The Pittsburgh Steelers’ tight ends have just 128 receiving yards through six games this season, a shockingly low number that’s partially due to the absence of TE Pat Freiermuth. Freiermuth has missed two-plus games with a hamstring injury, leaving in Week Four against the Houston Texans, and he’ll have to miss another three at a minimum due to a stint on IR. While the production of the tight ends, a room now led by rookie Darnell Washington and second-year pro Connor Heyward, hasn’t been good, offensive coordinator Matt Canada said he’s not worried about it.
“With what we’re doing, the ball kind of finds the guy that’s open hopefully throughout a game. I think over the course of 17 games you’ll probably see those balls work to the tight ends. It kind of depends on coverage and what’s happening,” Canada said via transcript provided by the team. “We want everyone to have a bunch of catches and a bunch of runs, and every game that’s not going to happen. Feel good about the room.”
The production is low, but the Steelers haven’t been too hindered by the lack of production out of the position. They’re still 4-2, and 2-0 in both games Freiermuth has missed, but it’s an area that you’d like to see get going. Washington was drafted more for his blocking, but Heyward has some potential as a receiver, and he pulled in two receptions for 23 yards against the Rams and three receptions for 23 yards against the Ravens. He also had an impressive preseason.
The Steelers’ passing offense hasn’t been all that potent, so all things considered, those numbers are certainly respectable out of Heyward. But he’s someone who can look to get more involved in the offense, although Pittsburgh has plenty of weapons. Headlined by George Pickens and Diontae Johnson, the Steelers have a strong wide receiver group, with Allen Robinson II and Calvin Austin III also viable options, so there is some depth when it comes to available pass catchers.
But a tight end is a good weapon to use, and Ben Roethlisberger has talked about those guys being a quarterback’s best friend. Maybe more utilization of the tight end can help QB Kenny Pickett get comfortable and build some confidence in order to build upon and improve the Steelers’ passing attack.
We’re only through six games in Pittsburgh, and there’s still ample time for the tight end room to get more involved. It will help the Steelers be better and more well-rounded if they do, but they’ve shown they can still be alright with minimal production. But it definitely wouldn’t be a surprise to see Heyward continue to bring in multiple receptions a game as the Steelers look to work the ball more to tight ends.
