Player news tracker
Connor Heyward headshot

Connor Heyward fantasy football news and podcast insights

Source-backed player signal from monitored fantasy football podcasts, shows, videos, articles, and social posts.

RBLV12 insightsLatest Sep 12, 2026
8
Positive signals
1
Negative signals
4
Sources
Sep 12, 2026
Latest update
PositiveRoleSep 12, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL
Heyward is positioned as a potential TE2 or TE3 option and is expected to be deployed similarly to Kyle Juszczyk in San Francisco's offense under Klint Kubiak. The source notes Heyward played both tight end and fullback at Michigan State and was used in-line frequently during his Pittsburgh Steelers tenure. Given his diverse skill set and the fact that Thomas is primarily a blocker, Kubiak may lean on Heyward more in the passing game, potentially eliminating the need for a practice squad call-up. This deployment mirrors Shanahan's use of Juszczyk, who spent 188 snaps as an in-line tight end versus 167 in the backfield last year.
Insight pageSourceOriginal
PositiveRoleSep 12, 2026Silver And Black Pride
Positioned as TE3 or potential second tight end option with Bowers out. Brock Bowers expects Heyward to be deployed similarly to how Kyle Shanahan uses Kyle Juszczyk in San Francisco—as an in-line tight end in 21 personnel packages to run 12 personnel formations. Heyward played both tight end and fullback at Michigan State and was used in-line during his first couple of seasons with Pittsburgh Steelers, giving him similar traits to Juszczyk. Brock Bowers notes Heyward has diverse skill set and could see increased passing game usage compared to blocker-type Ian Thomas, potentially eliminating the need for a practice squad call-up.
Insight pageSourceOriginal
PositiveUsageSep 8, 2026Jack Miller
Jack Milleron X

Brock Bowers played one preseason drive (Week 3). 11 total snaps, including one called back for penalty. On that drive: Bowers: 9 snaps Michael Mayer: 9 Jalen Nailor: 8 Connor Heyward: 7 Tre Tucker: 7 Jack Bech: 3 Ian Thomas: 1

Insight pageSourceView post on X
PositiveRoleAug 25, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL
Signed by the Raiders in free agency to fill a 40-year tradition of lead-blocking fullback that was absent the last two seasons; Kubiak views him as a versatile four-core special teams player who plays tight end, fullback, and pass pro. In preseason games against Arizona and Houston, Heyward was plugged in the backfield with starting RB Ashton Jeanty and rookie Mike Washington Jr., initially lining up as tight end before motion shifted him to traditional lead-blocking fullback role to block linebackers and defensive backs; also lined up at tight end for a catch against Houston.
Insight pageSourceOriginal
PositiveRoleAug 25, 2026Silver And Black Pride
Signed to 2-year, $5.5M deal ($2M guaranteed) by Raiders as fullback in March 2026; Kubiak views him as a versatile four-core special teams contributor who plays tight end, fullback, and pass-protects. Heyward is 6-foot, 230 pounds with mentality for selfless blocking and opening lanes; deployed in preseason with starting RB Ashton Jeanty and rookie Mike Washington Jr., initially lining up as tight end before motion shifts him to traditional lead-blocking fullback role to block linebackers and defensive backs. Also lined up at tight end for catches in second preseason game.
Insight pageSourceOriginal
PositiveBreakoutAug 17, 2026Silver And Black Pride
Free-agent fullback signing possesses a unique skill set similar to Kyle Juszczyk—tight end background with passing-game impact and lead-blocking ability. With Patrick Ricard moving to the Giants, the AFC fullback Pro Bowl slot opens up for competition. Heyward's tight-end versatility, combined with head coach Kubiak's connection to 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan (Kubiak's mentor), positions him for a breakout season. His father Craig 'Ironhead' Heyward's Pro Bowl pedigree adds name recognition.
Insight pageSourceOriginal
PositiveProjectionAug 17, 2026Yahoo Sports NFL
Heyward has an opportunity to make the Pro Bowl as an AFC fullback, a position that has been dominated by San Francisco's Kyle Juszczyk (10 straight Pro Bowls) and Patrick Ricard (six times in seven seasons), who now competes in the NFC after joining the Giants. Heyward, a free-agent signing, has a similar skill set to Juszczyk with his tight end background and ability to impact the passing game in addition to being a lead blocker. With head coach Klint Kubiak mentored by 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan, a big season could be incoming for Heyward. He also benefits from name recognition as the son of Craig 'Ironhead' Heyward, an 11-year NFL veteran and 1995 Pro Bowler.
Insight pageSourceOriginal