RB · PIT
transaction
Waiver: Eli Heidenreich added
sleeper-tx-waiver+3 stories · 30dSource unavailable
Adds: Eli Heidenreich
Eli Heidenreich
RB · PIT · 23 yrs · exp 0 · Navy
Status
- Game status
- Active
Keep Trade Cut (SF TEP)
From latest snapshot · trend vs ~7d prior when data allows.
Value
1,713
Rank
#298
Pos rank
#83
7d trend
—
Value history (90d)
One snapshot point per calendar day (shown in your timezone).
Latest: Sep 7, 2026 · 1,713
News
Stories linked to this player — newest first.
RB · PIT
transaction
Waiver: Eli Heidenreich added, Devin Singletary dropped
sleeper-tx-waiver+3 stories · 30dSource unavailable
Adds: Eli Heidenreich. Drops: Devin Singletary
RB · PIT
analyst
Eli Heidenreich - Gets into end zone against Bills
sleeper-rotowire+3 stories · 30dSource unavailable
Heidenreich carried the ball nine times for 35 yards and a touchdown while adding 47 yards on two kickoff returns during Thursday's 28-27 preseason loss to Buffalo. The rookie seventh-round pick showed some of his versatility by making a positive impression on special teams while also scoring Pittsburgh's only rushing TD of the night, taking a pitch from Drew Allar and churning his way through traffic from nine yards out in the third quarter. Heidenreich is fighting for a spot on the 53-man roster, but he curiously didn't catch a pass in the preseason despite that being his main strength in college, making it tough to evaluate his chances of sticking around behind the clear top backfield duo of Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle
RB · PIT
analyst
Eli Heidenreich - Is set to be RB
sleeper-rotowire+4 stories · 30dSource unavailable
Heidenreich is listed as a running back on the Steelers' initial 2026 depth chart, Brian Batko of the team's official site reports. Heidenreich was signed and listed as both a running back and a wide receiver initially. The 2026 seventh-rounder has lined up in the backfield at an overwhelming rate in training camp, so Wednesday's unofficial depth chart just confirms what was evident. This listing does not mean Heidenreich will not see any downfield action, especially if he makes the 53-man roster, but that he will likely be more utilized as a rusher and pass blocker than a true outside threat
general
Pittsburgh Steelers 2026 53-man roster projection
The Steelers are projecting their 2026 53-man roster, with Will Howard seemingly set to be QB2 behind Aaron Rodgers, potentially leading to a trade of Mason Rudolph. The running back room will likely feature Dowdle and Warren as the top two, with Travis Homer securing a spot due to special teams ability. At wide receiver, Metcalf, Pittman, Bernard, Skowronek, and Wetjen are considered safe, with competition for the WR4 spot between Roman Wilson and Noah Brown, and Curtis Samuel also a possibility
RB · PIT
analyst
Eli Heidenreich Looking Like RB Heading into Year 1
Former Navy star Eli Heidenreich is listed as an RB/WR with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but he was assigned a RB number (No. 29) and has been working with the RBs during individual drills and "overwhelmingly lined up" in the backfield during team drills during offseason workouts, according to Mike DeFabo of The Athletic. RBs coach Ramon Chinyoung Sr. called Heidenreich the "Swiss Navy Knife," but how much the Steelers open up their playbook in 2026 under new head coach Mike McCarthy might ultimately determine whether the 22-year-old will have a shot to make the 53-man roster for the regular season. How well he performs in pass protection, something Heidenreich wasn't asked to do much in college, could determine his fate early in his rookie season. DeFabo thinks Heidenreich will need to play his way onto Pittsburgh's roster during training camp, and it might take an injury for that to happen. Most likely, the former Midshipman will start his NFL career on the Steelers' practice squad
RB · PIT
analyst
Eli Heidenreich - Works mostly at RB during OTAs
sleeper-rotowire+4 stories · 30dSource unavailable
Heidenreich, who is currently listed as both a running back and wide receiver on the Steelers' official website, "overwhelmingly lined up in the backfield" during team drills and worked mostly with the running backs during individual drills during OTAs, Mike DeFabo of The Athletic reports. Heidenreich excelled as both a wideout and running back in college with Navy, and Steelers running backs coach Ramon Chinyoung Sr. has fittingly referred to the rookie as a "Swiss Navy knife." That seemingly boosts Heidenreich's chances of making the opening 53-man roster, but DeFabo still sees the seventh-round draft pick as more likely to begin on the practice squad. Still, Heidenreich is an intriguing young player due to his unique skill set, which also includes the ability to return kicks. Should Pittsburgh decide to open up the playbook more, Heidenreich could fit in as a change-of-pace weapon, though he's probably going to need to prove he can be capable in pass protection -- something he was rarely asked to do while with Navy
RB · PIT
outlook
2026 Season Outlook
sleeper-outlook+4 stories · 30dSource unavailable
The Steelers selected Heidenreich in the seventh round of April's NFL Draft and initially listed him as both a WR and RB on their roster page. That both points to his versatility and suggests that there may not be a clear role for the Navy product early on. The best-case scenario for the 6-0, 198-pounder's fantasy stock may be that he's able to use his speed and pass-catching chops to find a niche as a versatile back in the mold of Kenneth Gainwell, while also contributing on special teams
RB · PIT
transaction
Waiver: Eli Heidenreich added, John Metchie dropped
sleeper-tx-waiver+4 stories · 30dSource unavailable
Adds: Eli Heidenreich. Drops: John Metchie
general
Steelers RB Kaleb Johnson is playing for his job
Kaleb Johnson's roster spot is uncertain due to the additions of Rico Dowdle, Travis Homer, and Eli Heidenreich
WR · PIT
RB · PIT
general
Steelers part with special teams assistant coach due to violation of club policy
The Pittsburgh Steelers have parted ways with senior special teams assistant coach Derius Swinton II due to a violation of club policy. Swinton was hired in February for a newly created role. Danny Crossman remains the sole coach for the special teams unit. The team also recently extended kicker Chris Boswell
RB · PIT
transaction
Waiver: Eli Heidenreich added
sleeper-tx-waiver+4 stories · 30dSource unavailable
Adds: Eli Heidenreich
general
Steelers sign first-round OT Max Iheanachor
The Steelers have their first-round pick under contract with days left until OTAs. On Friday, Pittsburgh announced the team signed first-round offensive tackle Max Iheanachor to his rookie contract. Per KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson , the deal is four years, $20.7 million with an $11.6 million signing bonus. Like all first rounders, Iheanachor has a fifth-year option. The Steelers made Iheanachor, an Arizona State right tackle who started playing football in junior college, the No. 21 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft in late April. Iheanachor is the seventh draft pick the Steelers have signed this offseason. Alabama wide receiver Germie Bernard , Penn State quarterback Drew Allar , and Navy receiver/running back Eli Heidenreich remain unsigned. Let us know what you think in the comments . Be sure to bookmark Behind the Steel Curtain for all the latest news, breakdowns, and more! Mike Tomlin to return to Pittsburgh in Week 13 Instant predictions for Steelers’ 17-game schedule Pittsburgh Steelers 2026 regular season schedule Steelers Read & React: Get to know the 2026 UDFA class
general
Steelers sign first-round OT Max Iheanachor
The Steelers signed first-round offensive tackle Max Iheanachor to his four-year rookie deal, the team announced Friday. Iheanachor, who played at Arizona State, was selected with the 21st overall pick. He is the seventh of 10 picks to sign, leaving only second-round wide receiver Germie Bernard, third-round quarterback Drew Allar and seventh-round running back Eli Heidenreich unsigned. Iheanachor, a key cog in Arizona State’s offensive line, did not allow a sack in his senior season. He appeared in 32 career games, starting 31 for the Sun Devils. He was an All-Big 12 Second Team selection in 2025. “ I’m very excited about Max ,” Steelers coach Mike McCarthy said, via Teresa Varley of the team website. “He’s great for us. A stud of a young man. Throughout the process, you heard about him a little bit early, and he just kept growing and growing and growing through the evaluation. He kept climbing up our board. We were excited that he was there. “I think it’s an excellent pick for us. He’ll be a great addition to our offensive line.”
general
Steelers sign first-round OT Max Iheanachor
The Steelers signed first-round offensive tackle Max Iheanachor to his four-year rookie deal, the team announced Friday. Iheanachor, who played at Arizona State, was selected with the 21st overall pick. He is the seventh of 10 picks to sign, leaving only second-round wide receiver Germie Bernard , third-round quarterback Drew Allar and seventh-round running back Eli Heidenreich unsigned. Iheanachor, a key cog in Arizona State's offensive line, did not allow a sack in his senior season. He appeared in 32 career games, starting 31 for the Sun Devils. He was an All-Big 12 Second Team selection in 2025. " I’m very excited about Max ," Steelers coach Mike McCarthy said, via Teresa Varley of the team website. "He's great for us. A stud of a young man. Throughout the process, you heard about him a little bit early, and he just kept growing and growing and growing through the evaluation. He kept climbing up our board. We were excited that he was there. "I think it's an excellent pick for us. He'll be a great addition to our offensive line."
RB · PIT
transaction
Waiver: Eli Heidenreich added
sleeper-tx-waiver+4 stories · 30dSource unavailable
Adds: Eli Heidenreich
general
Steelers sign three more picks from 2026 draft class
The Steelers have signed three more draft picks from their 2026 class: cornerback Daylen Everett, guard Gennings Dunker, and fullback Riley Nowakowski. They join four other signed rookies, with several first and second-round picks still unsigned
RB · PIT
transaction
Waiver: Eli Heidenreich added
sleeper-tx-waiver+4 stories · 30dSource unavailable
Adds: Eli Heidenreich
general
Steelers sign three draft picks
The Steelers have signed three of their draft picks: fourth-round wide receiver Kaden Wetjen, sixth-round offensive tackle Gabriel Rubio, and seventh-round safety Robert Spears-Jennings. These are the first of their ten draft picks to sign
RB · PIT
transaction
Waiver: Eli Heidenreich added, Joe Milton dropped
sleeper-tx-waiver+4 stories · 30dSource unavailable
Adds: Eli Heidenreich. Drops: Joe Milton
Data comes from cached Sleeper and KTC snapshots. Values update when the sync jobs run.