Heyward appeared in 17 regular-season games for the Steelers in 2024, making six catches (on eight targets) for 40 yards and a touchdown. 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.
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Status
ACTIVELatest Connor Heyward news
Team
Pittsburgh Steelers
Birthdate
1/22/1999 (26)
Status
Active
HT/WT
6'0", 230 lbs
Draft Info
2022: Rd 6; Pk (PIT)
Birthplace
Duluth, GA, USA
Position
TE
College
Michigan State
Experience
4 seasons
Career History
Pittsburgh Steelers
2022-Present
(3 seasons)
Heyward appeared in 17 regular-season games for the Steelers in 2024, making six catches (on eight targets) for 40 yards and a touchdown. 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.
Heyward secured two of four targets for 23 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's 20-17 loss to Dallas. 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.
Heyward secured both of his targets for four yards and a touchdown during Friday's 20-12 preseason loss to the Texans. 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.
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.