Steelers Could Get Pat Freiermuth Back This Week

The Pittsburgh Steelers are nearing a return for their tight end Pat Freiermuth, who is currently on Injured Reserve dealing with a hamstring injury. 

Freiermuth hasn't played since Week 4, when he originally suffered the injury. He was set to return following the Bye Week in Week 7 but suffered a setback during practice that ended with him being placed on IR. 

According to head coach Mike Tomlin, Freiermuth is an option to return to practice this week, opening his 21-day return window to be activated off of IR. 

"Feel really good about Pat Freiermuth," Tomlin said. The team will utilize Freiermuth's practice availability as their guide for the final decision at the end of the week. 

The Steelers will have until Saturday at 4 p.m. to activate him back onto the 53-man roster. 

In four games this season, Freiermuth has caught eight passes for 53 yards and two touchdowns. Despite missing more of the team's games, only George Pickens has more receiving touchdowns than Freiermuth this season. 

Pittsburgh currently has three tight ends in Darnell Washington, Connor Heyward and Rodney Williams. Williams could be an option to be waived and signed back to the practice squad, as well running back Godwin Igwebuike, who was inactive in Week 10 after the return of Anthony McFarland from IR.