Steelers TE Pat Freiermuth Has A Promising Chance To Play In Week 11

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been struggling with injuries throughout the entire 2023 NFL season. As soon as one player returns to play, another quality player has been going down for the team. This was seen when both Cam Heyward and Diontae Johnson each went onto injured reserve after suffering injuries in the Steelers' season opener against the San Francisco 49ers. Now that they have made their way back onto the field in recent weeks, the Steelers are hoping to see other key players bounce back from injury in Week 11 against the Cleveland Browns.

Steelers' Pat Freiermuth May Return Against The Browns

The Steelers have been without third-year tight end Pat Freiermuth ever since he suffered a hamstring injury in Week 4 against the Houston Texans. Freiermuth was hoping to return to the football field ahead of the Steelers' Week 7 game against the Los Angeles Rams, but he aggravated the injury in practice during the week. With Freiermuth's absence, the Steelers have been leaning on a combination of Connor Heyward and rookie Darnell Washington, and the production in the tight end room has certainly taken a dip. 

After a long absence, Freiermuth is hoping to make a return against the Browns in Week 11. It is expected that his 21-day practice window to return from injured reserve will be opened up and he will be practicing during the week in preparation for Cleveland. Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin spoke about Freiermuth's injury during his press conference on Tuesday, and discussed how the team feels about his chances of returning to game action against the Browns.

"From a health standpoint, just a few things. Feel good about Pat Freiermuth and we'll watch him go through the week and look at the quality of his work and the amount of it, and see how he feels and let that be a determining factor. Feel good about his potential availability."

Freiermuth has only played in four games during the 2023 season, and the way the offense was utilizing him in those games was heavily criticized. In those four games, Freiermuth was targeted 13 times and only had eight catches, with two of them being for touchdowns. He has totaled just 53 yards, but hopefully when he is able to make his return, he will be included more in the offense. Freiermuth's presence should also open up the middle of the field in the passing game. 

Other Steelers Players Battling Injury

The Steelers are also extremely beat up on the defensive side of the ball. They just lost inside linebackers Cole Holcomb and Kwon Alexander for the season in back to back weeks, who were both playing well for the defense. Defensive tackle Montravius Adams is battling through an ankle injury and star safety Minkah Fitzpatrick has been dealing with a hamstring injury. 

Another safety was added to the injury report following the Steelers' Week 10 victory over the Green Bay Packers, as Keanu Neal suffered a rib injury after an interception return. Tomlin spoke about these injuries and the chances these players will be available on Sunday.

"Keanu Neal went down at the end of the game with a rib injury, we'll be watching him and see where that leads us. Mont Adams has an ankle injury he is working through, we'll see what that does for his availability. Minkah is battling to come back to us with a hamstring. How much they are available during the week is a determining factor, and obviously the quality of that work."

The Steelers are currently in fifth place in the AFC and are in second place in the AFC North. They are facing a tough stretch of back to back divisional games against the Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals. Both of these games are critical for the battle in the AFC North, as well as playoff standings, and the Steelers will need as many of their healthy starters back on the field as possible as they prepare to go on a run as the end of the regular season draws closer.

Do you think Freiermuth will play in Week 11? Let us know in the comments below!

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