Eli Heidenreich

Will Howard

QB · PIT

Aaron Rodgers

QB · PIT

+14 players

general

Pittsburgh Steelers 2026 53-man roster projection

Yahoo Sports NFLJul 2, 2026, 10:04 PM+2 stories · 30dSource ↗

Will Howard Aaron Rodgers Mason Rudolph

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

Eli Heidenreich

RB · PIT

analyst

Eli Heidenreich Looking Like RB Heading into Year 1

sleeper-rotoballerJun 27, 2026, 7:19 AM+1 story · 30dSource ↗

Eli Heidenreich

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

Eli Heidenreich

RB · PIT

analyst

Eli Heidenreich - Works mostly at RB during OTAs

sleeper-rotowireJun 26, 2026, 8:26 PM+1 story · 30dSource unavailable

Eli Heidenreich

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

Eli Heidenreich

RB · PIT

outlook

2026 Season Outlook

sleeper-outlookJun 15, 2026, 9:01 AM+2 stories · 30dSource unavailable

Eli Heidenreich

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

Eli Heidenreich

RB · PIT

transaction

Waiver: Eli Heidenreich added, John Metchie dropped

sleeper-tx-waiverJun 8, 2026, 3:04 AM+2 stories · 30dSource unavailable

Eli Heidenreich

Adds: Eli Heidenreich. Drops: John Metchie

Kaleb Johnson

RB · PIT

Najee Harris

+5 players

general

Steelers RB Kaleb Johnson is playing for his job

Yahoo Sports NFLJun 1, 2026, 8:17 PMSource ↗

Kaleb Johnson Najee Harris Jaylen Warren

Kaleb Johnson's roster spot is uncertain due to the additions of Rico Dowdle, Travis Homer, and Eli Heidenreich

Kaden Wetjen

WR · PIT

Eli Heidenreich

RB · PIT

general

Steelers part with special teams assistant coach due to violation of club policy

Yahoo Sports NFLMay 29, 2026, 8:00 PMSource ↗

Kaden Wetjen Eli Heidenreich

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

Eli Heidenreich

RB · PIT

transaction

Waiver: Eli Heidenreich added

sleeper-tx-waiverMay 18, 2026, 3:05 AM+2 stories · 30dSource unavailable

Eli Heidenreich

Adds: Eli Heidenreich

Drew Allar

QB · PIT

Eli Heidenreich

RB · PIT

+1 players

general

Steelers sign first-round OT Max Iheanachor

Yahoo Sports NFLMay 16, 2026, 2:03 AM+11 stories · 30dSource ↗

Drew Allar Eli Heidenreich Germie Bernard

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

Germie Bernard

WR · PIT

Drew Allar

QB · PIT

+1 players

general

Steelers sign first-round OT Max Iheanachor

Pro Football TalkMay 16, 2026, 12:56 AM+3 stories · 30dSource ↗

Germie Bernard Drew Allar Eli Heidenreich

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.”

Germie Bernard

WR · PIT

Drew Allar

QB · PIT

+1 players

general

Steelers sign first-round OT Max Iheanachor

Yahoo Sports NFLMay 16, 2026, 12:56 AM+3 stories · 30dSource ↗

Germie Bernard Drew Allar Eli Heidenreich

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."

Eli Heidenreich

RB · PIT

transaction

Waiver: Eli Heidenreich added

sleeper-tx-waiverMay 10, 2026, 3:04 AM+2 stories · 30dSource unavailable

Eli Heidenreich

Adds: Eli Heidenreich

Kaden Wetjen

WR · PIT

Germie Bernard

WR · PIT

+2 players

general

Steelers sign three more picks from 2026 draft class

Pro Football TalkMay 9, 2026, 5:54 PMSource ↗

Kaden Wetjen Germie Bernard Drew Allar

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

Eli Heidenreich

RB · PIT

transaction

Waiver: Eli Heidenreich added

sleeper-tx-waiverMay 9, 2026, 3:04 AM+2 stories · 30dSource unavailable

Eli Heidenreich

Adds: Eli Heidenreich

Kaden Wetjen

WR · PIT

Germie Bernard

WR · PIT

+3 players

general

Steelers sign three draft picks

Pro Football TalkMay 9, 2026, 12:14 AMSource ↗

Kaden Wetjen Germie Bernard Drew Allar

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

Eli Heidenreich

RB · PIT

transaction

Waiver: Eli Heidenreich added, Joe Milton dropped

sleeper-tx-waiverMay 6, 2026, 1:05 AM+2 stories · 30dSource unavailable

Eli Heidenreich

Adds: Eli Heidenreich. Drops: Joe Milton

Eli Heidenreich

RB · PIT

transaction

Waiver: Eli Heidenreich added

sleeper-tx-waiverApr 30, 2026, 9:04 AM+2 stories · 30dSource unavailable

Eli Heidenreich

Adds: Eli Heidenreich

Eli Heidenreich

RB · PIT

transaction

Waiver: Eli Heidenreich added, Darnell Washington dropped

sleeper-tx-waiverApr 30, 2026, 2:04 AM+2 stories · 30dSource unavailable

Eli Heidenreich

Adds: Eli Heidenreich. Drops: Darnell Washington

Eli Heidenreich

RB · PIT

analyst

Eli Heidenreich - Finds home with Steelers

sleeper-rotowireApr 25, 2026, 6:11 PM+2 stories · 30dSource unavailable

Eli Heidenreich

The Steelers selected Heidenrich in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft, 230th overall. Heidenrich is arguably the most versatile back in the draft, racking up not only 77 carries for 499 yards and three touchdowns, but also adding 51 catches for a whopping 941 yards and six touchdowns in a triple-option Navy offense that doesn't typically throw the ball that often. He figures to be more of a receiving back similar to a Danny Woodhead or Darren Sproles but could be a unique player with a creative offensive coordinator. Heidenrich's top-end speed isn't off the charts, and he's not the most elusive back in the draft. He'll have to earn his way up the depth chart in the Steel City and may be asked to contribute on special teams to keep his spot on the 53-man roster

Eli Heidenreich

RB · PIT

analyst

Navy's Eli Heidenreich to the Steelers at No. 230 Overall

sleeper-rotoballerApr 25, 2026, 2:10 PM+2 stories · 30dSource ↗

Eli Heidenreich

The Pittsburgh Steelers have selected Navy running back prospect Eli Heidenreich with the 230th overall pick in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft. A three-year contributor in college, Heidenreich posted elite numbers in the passing game. Last season, he had 499 rushing yards, 51 catches, 941 receiving yards, and nine total touchdowns. He also set a new all-time program record with six touchdown receptions in a single season. The pass-catching numbers are very impressive, and he should continue to have a role on passing downs at the next level. There's a decent chance that he'll be able to carve out some third-down snaps in the Steelers' backfield behind Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle

Status

Keep Trade Cut (SF TEP)

Value history (90d)

News

Pittsburgh Steelers 2026 53-man roster projection

Eli Heidenreich Looking Like RB Heading into Year 1

Eli Heidenreich - Works mostly at RB during OTAs

2026 Season Outlook

Waiver: Eli Heidenreich added, John Metchie dropped

Steelers RB Kaleb Johnson is playing for his job

Steelers part with special teams assistant coach due to violation of club policy

Waiver: Eli Heidenreich added

Steelers sign first-round OT Max Iheanachor

Steelers sign first-round OT Max Iheanachor

Steelers sign first-round OT Max Iheanachor

Waiver: Eli Heidenreich added

Steelers sign three more picks from 2026 draft class

Waiver: Eli Heidenreich added

Steelers sign three draft picks

Waiver: Eli Heidenreich added, Joe Milton dropped

Waiver: Eli Heidenreich added

Waiver: Eli Heidenreich added, Darnell Washington dropped

Eli Heidenreich - Finds home with Steelers

Navy's Eli Heidenreich to the Steelers at No. 230 Overall