Steelers Player Returns To Practice Before Week 9 Game Vs. Colts

The Pittsburgh Steelers will need all hands on deck to keep up with the streaking Indianapolis Colts this Sunday. They received some positive news on the health front.

Pat Freiermuth returned to Thursday’s practice after sitting out Wednesday with a quad injury. PennLive’s Nick Farabaugh shared a video of the tight end running a drill with the team.

Freiermuth hasn’t missed a game since Week 10 of the 2023 season. He recorded a career-high 65 catches last season but has taken a back seat after the Steelers acquired Jonnu Smith in the offseason.

The 6-foot-5 playmaker has secured 16 of 21 targets for 200 yards in seven games. Freiermuth had notched 17 combined yards in three games before breaking out for 112 yards and his only two touchdowns of the season in a Week 7 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.

While the Steelers let Tucker Kraft celebrate National Tight Ends Day last Sunday night, Freiermuth only mustered 13 yards in a 35-25 loss to the Green Bay Packers. Despite his erratic role, Sunday would be a bad time not to have Freiermuth.

The Colts have allowed 579 receiving yards to tight ends this season, the NFL’s second-highest total after the Bengals. Pittsburgh’s offense probably needs to pile on the points to out-duel a Colts squad ranked first in total yards and scoring amid a 7-1 campaign.

Freiermuth’s return to practice bodes well for his Week 9 status. Sunday’s game against the Colts starts at 1 p.m. ET on CBS.

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