Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth was widely projected to be a Top-10 fantasy tight end heading into the 2023 NFL season. The Penn State product racked up 63 catches, 732 yards, and two touchdowns in 16 games last season – finishing sixth among tight ends in receiving yards behind George Kittle and Evan Engram.
Unfortunately, Freiermuth hasn't come close to living up to expectations this campaign. He had eight receptions on 13 targets, 53 yards, and two touchdowns through four games before suffering a hamstring injury.
How long will Freiermuth be out of action? What is his fantasy football outlook when he returns?
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Pat Freiermuth Injury Update for Fantasy Football
The Steelers placed Freiermuth (hamstring) on the Injured Reserve a day before their Week 7 game against the Los Angeles Rams after he re-aggravated a hamstring injury that forced him to miss their Week 5 win over Baltimore.
The IR stint will keep the talented tight end of out action for a minimum of four games, meaning he will miss games against Jacksonville, Tennessee and Green Bay before he can return in Week 11 at Cleveland.
Pat Freiermuth Fantasy Football Outlook
Pittsburgh's offense under the guidance of coordinator Matt Canada has been highly scrutinized through seven games.
While Freiermuth has upside and should receive his fair share of snaps once healthy, there is no guarantee his fantasy production will improve in this current offense. He is averaging 3.25 targets per game and has finished with less than eight receiving yards in three of the four games he has played.
There is also potential for Connor Heyward or Darnell Washington to seize the TE1 role in Freiermuth's absence. Heyward has 12 receptions for 89 yards in five games, while Washington has one reception for 10 yards.
You can stash Freiermuth on your IR if you have space, but you should look for a suitable replacement rest of the season.
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