The Pittsburgh Steelers are undergoing some massive changes as training camp with 2026 training camp in full swing. As in any camp, players are fighting for roster spots, starting positions, or niche roles on the team. For the Steelers' 10 2026 draftees, the group is looking to carve out roles at their respective positions. Pittsburgh's overhaul of rookies will make things interesting, as the Black and Gold typically hold onto all of their rookies. This will make things difficult for some fringe players trying to make the 53-man roster, but a great thing for a seventh-round pick, like the versatile Eli Heidenreich.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers running back Eli Heidenreich on the field during rookie minicamp in 2026.
Heidenreich, the running back/wide receiver out of Navy, is a fascinating prospect. In his collegiate career, he was listed as a running back, and while he often did come out of the backfield, his receiving numbers jumped off the charts. The 2025 campaign saw Heidenreich rack up 1,440 yards from scrimmage, including 51 catches for 941 yards and 77 carries for 499 yards on the ground.
He found the end zone often with nine total touchdowns, and could be a compelling addition to the Steelers' offense; not to mention, he can return kicks on special teams. A key for Heidenreich is his versatility, to an extent. Since he can line up as a running back or wide receiver, that's two positional groups where he could fit in. However, in doing so, he could be taking a vital spot away from someone whose natural position is either one of those.
Heidenreich will have to prove he can do everything if he wants to fit into the offense. Following practice on July 31st, Heidenreich was interviewed by the media. The rookie revealed his inside path to making the team, and it's surprising.
"I think the NFL, especially at the running back position, they value that versatility, Heidenreich said. "You have to be a runner first, a protector first, but nowadays you really have to go catch the football. Make some things happen in space, and I think that's something I'll be able to carry over."
Heidenreich's confidence that he can be a contributor to the running back room makes things riveting. The room is pretty full, and Pittsburgh may have to make a sacrifice at the position to keep the rookie.
The running back room consists of 2025 starter Jaylen Warren, 2026 free-agent addition Rico Dowdle, and Kaleb Johnson and Travis Homer, who primarily plays on special teams. Heidenreich will likely have to prove his worth on special teams on top of his rushing/receiving skills to beat out Homer, but Homer has been such an important special-teamer throughout his career.
Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Eli Heidenreich stands on stage after being drafted by the team in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
It may be difficult for Heidenreich to find a role on the team, and he may even be stashed on the practice squad. Training camp will be a huge test for him, as he'll try to make the squad. His skill set makes him so special, and could be a reason he would be kept. Head Coach Mike McCarthy likes players who can be lined up in various areas, and Heidenreich can play a multitude of positions. The Swiss "Navy" Knife could be a mainstay if he can prove to be an asset.
Steelers Have A Big Decision With Running Back Depth
The Steelers are expecting to have a nice one-two punch between Warren and Dowdle, but there are some questions about who will be the depth behind them. Johnson looks like he could be the clear RB3, but his rookie season left a bad taste in a lot of people's mouths. He'll have to at least show he's worthy of his spot and gradually earn more in-game opportunities.
As for who's behind Johnson, the real battle comes down to keeping a veteran special-teamer in Homer, or taking a risk with a versatile seventh-rounder, Heidenreich. These will be some of the storylines to follow in camp, and should point to where the front office and coaching staff's priorities are under the regime.
#SteelerNation