Heyward (knee) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Chargers, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports

EDGE Analysis

Despite missing practice both Wednesday and Thursday, Heyward logged a full practice Friday and didn't get tagged with an injury designation, making him set to suit up in Sunday's game. The 26-year-old fullback played 18 special teams snaps and four offensive snaps in Week 9 against the Colts and will likely log a similar amount of snaps in the fullback role for Sunday's game.

Heyward (knee) did not practice Thursday, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Heyward had his usual role this past Sunday in a win over Indianapolis, logging four offensive snaps and 18 snaps on special teams. He wasn't on the injury report Wednesday before popping up as a DNP on Thursday, so he may have hurt his knee during practice. Heyward's practice participation level Friday should help clarify how serious the knee issue is and whether he's at risk of missing Sunday's tilt versus the Chargers.

Heyward recorded a 12-yard touchdown reception on his lone target in Sunday's 23-9 win over the Browns.

EDGE Analysis

Heyward was on the field for just six of the Steelers' 59 offensive snaps, but he was able to make the most of his limited playing time by connecting with quarterback Aaron Rodgers on a touchdown grab midway through the third quarter to gave Pittsburgh a 13-point lead. The touchdown was the first of the season for Heyward, who has notched just two receptions through the team's first five games. The fullback/tight end will continue to handle a limited role on offense in the weeks to come.

Heyward secured his lone target for six yards during Sunday's 31-17 loss to Seattle.

EDGE Analysis

Although Heyward's snap count ranked fourth among the Steelers' tight ends Sunday, he recorded his first catch of the regular season during the loss. While it was encouraging to see him generate some offensive production in Week 2, he appears to be clearly behind Jonnu Smith, Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington on Pittsburgh's depth chart.

Heyward secured two of three targets for 17 yards during Saturday's 31-25 preseason win over the Jaguars.

EDGE Analysis

Although Heyward has appeared in all 17 regular-season games in each of his first three years in the NFL, his already limited role took a hit in 2024, as he secured just six of eight targets for 40 yards and a touchdown. The Steelers acquired Jonnu Smith during the offseason while retaining Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington, so Heyward will likely be forced to settle for a minimal role on offense if he makes the 53-man roster.

Heyward appeared in 17 regular-season games for the Steelers in 2024, making six catches (on eight targets) for 40 yards and a touchdown.

EDGE Analysis

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.

EDGE Analysis

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.

EDGE Analysis

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 secured 23 of 34 targets for 167 yards while rushing once for no yards over 17 games during the 2023 season.

EDGE Analysis

Heyward had some slightly encouraging performances in the middle of the regular season, as he topped 20 receiving yards in four of five appearances when Pat Freiermuth was sidelined due to an injury. However, Heyward was held to just four receiving yards over the final four games of the season and didn't have enough of an impact to warrant fantasy consideration. While he's topped 150 receiving yards in his first two professional seasons, it seems unlikely that he'll be consistent enough to be a fantasy-relevant option in season-long formats in 2024.

Heyward secured both of his targets for 15 yards during the Steelers' 21-18 loss to New England on Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Heyward didn't have any receptions during last week's loss to the Cardinals, but he managed to generate slightly more production in primetime Thursday. However, he played most of his snaps on special teams and isn't likely to be a significant part of the offense as long as Pat Freiermuth stays healthy.