Connor Heyward Injury News & Updates
Keep up with the latest injuries from the Steelers vs Lions game on Sunday with our National Football League injury report.Nov 7, 2025
Cleared to play
Heyward (knee) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Chargers, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports
ANALYSIS
Despite missing practice both Wednesday and Thursday, Heyward logged a full practice Friday and was cleared of a knee injury designation, making him set to suit up for Sunday's game. The 26-year-old fullback played 18 special teams snaps and four offensive snaps in Week 9 against the Colts and is set to log a similar amount of snaps in the fullback role for Sunday's game.
Nov 6, 2025
Sits out practice with knee issue
Heyward (knee) did not practice Thursday, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Heyward had his usual role this past Sunday in a win over Indianapolis, logging four offensive snaps and 18 snaps on special teams. He wasn't on the injury report Wednesday before popping up as a DNP on Thursday, so he may have hurt his knee during practice. Heyward's practice participation level Friday should help clarify how serious the knee issue is and whether he's at risk of missing Sunday's tilt versus the Chargers.
Oct 15, 2025
Cashes in on first TD
Heyward recorded a 12-yard touchdown reception on his lone target in Sunday's 23-9 win over the Browns.
ANALYSIS
Heyward was on the field for just six of the Steelers' 59 offensive snaps, but he was able to make the most of his limited playing time by connecting with quarterback Aaron Rodgers on a touchdown grab midway through the third quarter to gave Pittsburgh a 13-point lead. The touchdown was the first of the season for Heyward, who has notched just two receptions through the team's first five games. The fullback/tight end will continue to handle a limited role on offense in the weeks to come.
Sep 15, 2025
Tallies one reception in Week 2
Heyward secured his lone target for six yards during Sunday's 31-17 loss to Seattle.
ANALYSIS
Although Heyward's snap count ranked fourth among the Steelers' tight ends Sunday, he recorded his first catch of the regular season during the loss. While it was encouraging to see him generate some offensive production in Week 2, he appears to be clearly behind Jonnu Smith, Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington on Pittsburgh's depth chart.
Aug 9, 2025
Racks up 17 receiving yards
Heyward secured two of three targets for 17 yards during Saturday's 31-25 preseason win over the Jaguars.
ANALYSIS
Although Heyward has appeared in all 17 regular-season games in each of his first three years in the NFL, his already limited role took a hit in 2024, as he secured just six of eight targets for 40 yards and a touchdown. The Steelers acquired Jonnu Smith during the offseason while retaining Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington, so Heyward will likely be forced to settle for a minimal role on offense if he makes the 53-man roster.
Feb 18, 2025
Sees role diminished
Heyward appeared in 17 regular-season games for the Steelers in 2024, making six catches (on eight targets) for 40 yards and a touchdown.
ANALYSIS
Heyward didn't get to see the field as much this past season as he did during his sophomore campaign. The Michigan State product saw his offensive snaps drop from 383 to 194, while his catch and yardage total also fell from the 23 receptions and 167 yards he totaled in 2023. As long as Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington remain healthy for the Steelers, Heyward's opportunities in their offense will likely remain limited.
Oct 7, 2024
Scores touchdown against Dallas
Heyward secured two of four targets for 23 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's 20-17 loss to Dallas.
ANALYSIS
Heyward had racked up just two receiving yards over the first four weeks of the regular season, but he saw his target share increase Sunday despite playing just 13 offensive snaps. While it was encouraging that he reached the end zone for the first time since 2022, he hasn't established himself as a consistent fantasy option alongside teammates Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington.
Aug 10, 2024
Reaches end zone in preseason loss
Heyward secured both of his targets for four yards and a touchdown during Friday's 20-12 preseason loss to the Texans.
ANALYSIS
Heyward wasn't a consistent part of the Steelers' passing game last year, as he secured 23 of 34 targets for 167 yards. However, he had a six-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter of Friday's preseason opener. Although it was encouraging to see Heyward reach the end zone against Houston, he's unlikely to be a reliable contributor during the regular season, as he remains behind Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington on the Steelers' depth chart at tight end.
Jan 12, 2024
Inconsistent in 2023
Heyward secured 23 of 34 targets for 167 yards while rushing once for no yards over 17 games during the 2023 season.
ANALYSIS
Heyward had some slightly encouraging performances in the middle of the regular season, as he topped 20 receiving yards in four of five appearances when Pat Freiermuth was sidelined due to an injury. However, Heyward was held to just four receiving yards over the final four games of the season and didn't have enough of an impact to warrant fantasy consideration. While he's topped 150 receiving yards in his first two professional seasons, it seems unlikely that he'll be consistent enough to be a fantasy-relevant option in season-long formats in 2024.
Dec 8, 2023
Logs two receptions Thursday
Heyward secured both of his targets for 15 yards during the Steelers' 21-18 loss to New England on Thursday.
ANALYSIS
Heyward didn't have any receptions during last week's loss to the Cardinals, but he managed to generate slightly more production in primetime Thursday. However, he played most of his snaps on special teams and isn't likely to be a significant part of the offense as long as Pat Freiermuth stays healthy.
Nov 27, 2023
Catches two passes
Heyward secured both of his targets for 11 yards during the Steelers' 16-10 win over Cincinnati on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
The Steelers had their best game of the season offensively during Sunday's win after offensive coordinator Matt Canada was recently fired, and starting tight end Pat Freiermuth benefited by securing nine of 11 targets for 120 yards. Although Heyward had multiple catches for the sixth time in his last seven appearances, he was unable to rack up many yards and doesn't have much upside now that Freiermuth is back to full healthy.
Nov 13, 2023
Tallies 32 yards
Heyward secured three of four targets for 32 yards during the Steelers' 23-19 win over the Packers on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Heyward saw increased work once again Sunday with Pat Freiermuth (hamstring) still on injured reserve. Heyward racked up a season-high 32 yards during the narrow victory, but that production isn't enough to give him much fantasy appeal. Freiermuth could return to action as soon as the Steelers' Week 11 matchup against Cleveland next Sunday, and Heyward's offensive impact will likely be minimal once Freiermuth is back.
Nov 3, 2023
Held to two receptions Thursday
Heyward brought in two of three targets for 16 yards in the Steelers' 20-16 win over the Titans on Thursday night.
ANALYSIS
Heyward was minimally involved as the top pass-catching tight end for the Steelers in the ongoing absence of Pat Freiermuth (IR-hamstring). The second-year pro had posted a season-high five receptions in Week 8, but as Thursday demonstrated, his week-to-week production will be difficult to trust in a middling Kenny Pickett-led passing attack.
Oct 30, 2023
Catches five passes
Heyward secured five of six targets for 24 yards during the Steelers' 20-10 loss to Jacksonville on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Heyward had an increased role once again Sunday since Pat Freiermuth (hamstring) remained on injured reserve. However, the 2022 sixth-rounder was unable to generate much production despite finishing second on the team in targets. Over the three games in which Freiermuth has been sidelined, Heyward has secured 10 of 13 targets for 70 yards.
Oct 23, 2023
Racks up 23 yards in win
Heyward secured two of three targets for 23 yards during the Steelers' 24-17 win over the Rams on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Fellow tight end Pat Freiermuth (hamstring) was placed on injured reserve ahead of Sunday's Week 7 matchup, so Heyward continued to have an elevated role in Pittsburgh's offense. The 24-year-old hasn't yet had much fantasy relevance this year, but it's been encouraging to see him have his highest snap counts of the season in the Steelers' last two games.
Oct 9, 2023
Tallies 23 yards in Week 5
Heyward secured three of four targets for 23 yards during the Steelers' 17-10 win over Baltimore on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Heyward's snap count increased during Sunday's victory with Pat Freiermuth (hamstring) sidelined, but rookie Darnell Washington outpaced Heyward by playing 70 percent of the team's offensive snaps. Heyward was on the field for 56 percent but was able to log a season-high three receptions, while Washington was held without a catch. Heyward has had limited offensive production this year, with all of his catches coming at times when Freiermuth was unavailable. The Steelers have a Week 6 bye before facing the Rams in Week 7, and Heyward will likely have a limited role on offense if Freiermuth is able to recover during the layoff.
Sep 11, 2023
Tallies 19 yards in loss
Heyward secured two of four targets for 19 yards during the Steelers' 30-7 loss to the 49ers on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Although Heyward saw the fewest snaps of any of the Steelers' tight ends Sunday, but he led the position group in yards. However, it's worth noting that both of his receptions came in the second half, while Pat Freiermuth (chest) was unavailable down the stretch. Heyward's upside will be limited if Freiermuth is available moving forward, while rookie Darnell Washington also figures to see some work in the passing game as the season progresses.
Aug 25, 2023
Two catches in preseason win
Heyward secured both of his targets for 27 yards while rushing four times for 11 yards during Thursday's 24-0 preseason win over the Falcons.
ANALYSIS
Heyward was targeted twice in each of the Steelers' preseason games this year and was relatively productive overall, securing all six of his targets for 73 yards and a touchdown while rushing five times for 16 yards. Despite his preseason results, the 2022 sixth-rounder will have plenty of competition for work behind starting tight end Pat Freiermuth during the regular season, as Zach Gentry and Darnell Washington are also in the mix for playing time at tight end.
Aug 20, 2023
Scores touchdown in win
Heyward secured both of his targets for 12 yards and a touchdown during Saturday's 27-15 preseason win over the Bills.
ANALYSIS
Heyward recorded fewer yards Saturday than he did during the team's preseason opener, but he reached the end zone during the victory. While he's had an encouraging start to the preseason, he played mainly on special teams last year and will have increased competition for a role in the offense this season now that rookie third-rounder Darnell Washington is in the fold.
Aug 12, 2023
Racks up 34 yards against Tampa Bay
Heyward secured both of his targets for 34 yards while rushing once for five yards during Friday's 27-17 preseason win over the Buccaneers.
ANALYSIS
Heyward played just 12 snaps during Friday's preseason opener, but he was relatively productive, highlighted by a 24-yard reception to put the Steelers in field goal range late in the first half. Despite Friday's encouraging production, Heyward will have increased competition for a role in Pittsburgh's offense after the team selected Darnell Washington in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Jan 9, 2023
Productive in season finale
Heyward secured three of four targets for 45 yards while rushing once for six yards during the Steelers' 28-14 win over the Browns on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Heyward was held without any receptions in five of the seven games prior to Sunday's Week 18 matchup, but he logged a season-high three receptions against Cleveland. The rookie sixth-rounder didn't have consistent enough volume to become a fantasy asset in 2022, as he secured 12 of 17 targets for 151 yards and a touchdown while rushing twice for 27 yards while appearing in all 17 games. However, fellow tight end Zach Gentry is slated to become an unrestricted free agent during the offseason, so Heyward could take over as the primary backup behind Pat Freiermuth in 2023.
Dec 5, 2022
Records first NFL touchdown
Heyward secured his lone target for 17 yards and a touchdown during the Steelers' 19-16 win over Atlanta on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Heyward played just 22 percent of the Steelers' offensive snaps Sunday but caught the team's only touchdown during the narrow Week 13 win. Although it was encouraging to see the rookie sixth-rounder reach the end zone Sunday, he hasn't been a fantasy-relevant player for most of the year, as he had logged just three catches for 15 yards over his last five games.
Nov 26, 2022
Clear of injury report
Heyward (illness) returned to practice Saturday and does not have an injury designation for Monday's contest against the Colts, Mike DeFabo of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Heyward didn't practice Friday due to an unspecified illness, but he felt well enough to log a full session Saturday. As a result, he should be able to suit up against Indianapolis on Monday Night Football. That said, Heyward isn't likely to play a major role on offense, as he's logged only 32 offensive snaps and totaled just three catches for 15 yards for the Steelers over the past four weeks.
Nov 25, 2022
Sits out practice Friday
Heyward (illness) was listed as a DNP on the Steelers' injury report Friday, Chris Halicke of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Heyward missed his first practice of Week 12 after popping up with an illness Friday. While the severity of this ailment is still unknown, the rookie tight end will have two full days to overcome this issue before Monday's game against the Colts. Heyward's status on Saturday's final injury report should shed more light on his availability against Indianapolis.
Oct 24, 2022
Musters six yards in defeat
Heyward secured his lone target for six yards during the Steelers' 16-10 loss to the Dolphins on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Heyward was on the field for just five offensive snaps Sunday and had minimal production after tallying a season-high 49 receiving yards last week. Although the rookie sixth-rounder has been targeted in three consecutive games, he doesn't have much fantasy value while Pat Freiermuth is healthy.
Oct 17, 2022
Racks up 49 receiving yards
Heyward secured two of three targets for 49 yards during Sunday's 20-18 win over Tampa Bay.
ANALYSIS
Heyward saw increased playing time Sunday since Pat Freiermuth (concussion) was sidelined, and Heyward had the longest play of the game for the Steelers with a 45-yard reception early in the fourth quarter. While it was encouraging to see Heyward's increased production in Week 6, his playing time should drop off once Freiermuth is cleared to return.
Oct 10, 2022
Logs two receptions in blowout loss
Heyward secured both of his targets for 12 yards during the Steelers' 38-3 loss to the Bills on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Heyward wasn't targeted over the first four weeks of the season, and he totaled just six offensive snaps during that time. However, he saw a slight uptick in playing time in Week 5 since the Steelers faced a significant deficit and Pat Freiermuth (concussion) exited the game. It's possible that Heyward sees slightly increased usage if Freiermuth misses additional time, but the rookie sixth-rounder remains behind Zach Gentry on the Steelers' depth chart.
Sep 5, 2022
Beginning year as third tight end
Heyward is listed as the No. 3 tight end on the Steelers' Week 1 depth chart, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Heyward had a limited impact for Pittsburgh during the preseason, logging five receptions for 30 yards. The 2022 sixth-rounder will likely struggle to find work in the Steelers' passing game as a rookie, but it's possible that he's used as a fullback if Derek Watt is unavailable at any point this season.
Apr 30, 2022
Joins Steel City
The Steelers selected Heyward in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, 208th overall.
ANALYSIS
Heyward joins older brother Cameron Heyward on the Steelers as Pittsburgh now has four sets of brothers on its roster. The redshirt senior is probably more of a fullback or H-back at the NFL level rather than tight end, where he played at Michigan State. Listed at 5-foot-11, 233 pounds at the NFL Combine, Heyward's 4.72 40-yard dash was about what most expected given his lack of high-end athleticism, but he's a determined player whether he's blocking or catching passes.
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