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Behind the Steel Curtain fantasy football takes on Eli Heidenreich
Every source-backed article insight STACKED has extracted from Behind the Steel Curtain about Eli Heidenreich.
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Insight ledger
All Behind the Steel Curtain insights about Eli Heidenreich
NegativeUsageAug 23, 2026
Seventh-round rookie running back had a surprisingly quiet preseason with only two carries for nine yards against the Jets and nine carries for 2.3-yard average against the Packers; has not yet had an opportunity to make a reception or return, leaving his full skill set unexplored in preseason action.NegativeUsageAug 23, 2026
The source notes that rookie seventh-rounder Eli Heidenreich has had a surprisingly quiet preseason. Against the Jets, he carried the ball twice for nine yards. Against the Packers the previous week, he saw a solid nine carries but managed only a 2.3-yard average. The source indicates the RB3 role remains a mystery, with Heidenreich not getting consistent opportunity despite being drafted for that role.NegativeRoleAug 20, 2026
Eli Heidenreich showed more juice as a runner than Travis Homer in the preseason opener and saw snaps as a kick returner, though fellow rookie Kaden Wetjen caught the ball on each return rep. He is competing for the RB3 spot alongside Homer, Lew Nichols, and Kaleb Johnson.NegativeInjuryAug 18, 2026
Context for Steelers' conservative injury management approach in 2024; missed significant time during training camp with an injury that appeared minor, establishing precedent for how the organization handles summer injuries and setting expectations for other injured players like Max Iheanachor.PositiveRoleAug 17, 2026
Eli Heidenreich made a spinning catch for a touchdown on a Mason Rudolph pass during practice, which got a huge reaction from the crowd. The Mt. Lebanon kid is already a massive fan favorite, suggesting strong local support and positive team reception as he competes for a roster spot in the RB3 depth chart alongside Kaleb Johnson on the third and fourth teams.PositiveRoleAug 14, 2026
The recent seventh-rounder saw nine carries in the preseason opener, seven more than former third-round pick Kaleb Johnson, suggesting he's ahead of Johnson on the depth chart and has a better roster chance.NegativeInjuryAug 6, 2026
Running back/wide receiver held out of practice with undisclosed injury.NegativeRoleAug 4, 2026
Running back Eli Heidenreich was one of the RB3 candidates thrown into reps pretty evenly throughout camp thus far. The source notes the Steelers have tough decisions to make in the running back room, with Heidenreich competing alongside Kaleb Johnson and Lew Nichols for the RB3 role. Heidenreich also lined up as a first-team kickoff returner alongside Kaden Wetjen.PositiveSleeperAug 3, 2026
Heidenreich, a Navy prospect from Allegheny County near Pittsburgh, was selected 230th overall in the seventh round—a value pick the source calls a steal. In 2025, he totaled 1,440 yards from scrimmage and nine touchdowns: 499 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 77 carries (23 forced missed tackles, nine runs of 15+ yards), plus 51 catches on 79 targets for 941 yards and six touchdowns. He ran legitimate post, over, seam, and go routes from slot and wide deployments, not just swings and screens. The source notes he isn't Christian McCaffrey but should be able to do many different things in Mike McCarthy's offense if given the opportunity. McCarthy confirmed Heidenreich is getting the hang of the offense, and the rookie expressed joy at joining his childhood favorite team.NegativeUsageJul 30, 2026
Seventh-round pick Eli Heidenreich entered camp with significant hype and was thought to potentially challenge Kaleb Johnson for the RB3 role, but has not been getting much run through the first two practices. Johnson has been getting those reps over Heidenreich consistently to start camp. Heidenreich has been getting work as a punt returner, and his versatility as a runner, receiver, and returner should give him a good shot to make the team, but the lack of offensive usage gives his stock a downward trend early.