The Pittsburgh Steelers have a laundry list of injuries as they enter their Week 6 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They've already ruled out superstar free safety, Minkah Fitzpatrick, the team's top three options at cornerback, sensational rookie defensive lineman, DeMarvin Leal, and second-year tight end, Pat Freiermuth, for Week 6. The team enters the weekend at 1-4 and they're looking for ways to turn this 2022 season around. If they're going to come out on top against "the ageless wonder" in Tom Brady and the Bucs, they'll have to do it with a "next man up" mentality.
Multiple Steelers Rookies Already Have Major Roles In 2022; Could 2 More Make Big Impacts In Week 6?
Credit: USA Today Sports
The season surely hasn't gone the way we've wanted it to thus far, but the few bright spots for the black and gold have been the contributions from the 2022 rookie class. QB Kenny Pickett has taken over as the team's QB1 and has shown flashes of being the franchise quarterback that we all hope that he is and WR George Pickens has shown that he can be a very dependable target once the Steelers and Pickett started getting him the ball more! Leal has shown great promise on the defensive side of the ball as well.
Can at least one more draft pick help showcase that the team's future is brighter than fans can see at the moment? One will definitely get an extended opportunity when the black and gold take on the Buccaneers on Sunday afternoon and he's excited for it!
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"I feel like this is giving me a jump start to Sunday," said rookie TE Connor Heyward via Steelers.com. "You practice like you play. Go out there and practice the game plan. It has to carry out throughout the week."
Heyward is ready to build on the connection that he established with Pickett in the preseason.
"Me and him came in at the same time," Heyward stated about Pickett. "He is a great quarterback, great friend. We have a connection. We know he is going to do the job. We have to make the plays for him.
"I feel like sometimes he knows where I am going to be. We have the same mindset and feel for the game. That comes from having reps together in the preseason, minicamp and training camp."
Heyward knows that he has the support from the rest of the tight end room and he just wants to make the most of the opportunities he gets on Sunday. After Freiermuth went out with a concussion last week, Heyward was able to come in and get his first opportunity in a regular season NFL game. He caught 2 passes for 12 yards in the slaughter that took place against the Buffalo Bills. After missing some practice time earlier this week, TE2 Zach Gentry is in line to get his first start of the season this week. Gentry finished last week's game with 5 receptions for 43 yards.
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"There is always more excitement when you think you are going to play more," stated Heyward. "It's my opportunity and I have to make the most of it. I know Pat and Zach are there to support me. If they were in the same situation I am in, I would be there to support them. Even in practice this week, Pat has asked what I need help with. I told him whatever you see, let me know. He's played an entire season more than me. Anybody that has more knowledge and experience I am willing to learn from."
Can Connor Heyward contribute in an extended opportunity with Pat Freiermuth out on Sunday? Sound off in the comment section below, or on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Instagram!
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