The Pittsburgh Steelers are now deep into training camp and the team is starting to take shape. The franchise has not played a preseason game yet, but it is becoming more clear who might make the final roster. There are a ton of players that most fans are rooting for, but Eli Heidenreich probably has the largest fan base of them all. He is from the area, and he played his college football at Navy. There is a ton to like about Heidenreich as he is a very versatile player, but his future in Pittsburgh is uncertain. He was a seventh-round pick in 2026, and he is a part of a 10-man draft class. Therefore he is far from being safe when it comes to making the final roster.
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Eli Heidenreich participates in drills during Steelers minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.
Heidenreich played running back and wide receiver at Navy, and he is expected to do the same in Pittsburgh. However, it seems like he has been playing running back more often and he hasn't really had a chance at wide receiver. He will also need to contribute on special teams in order to make this football team, and right now it seems like he might be more of a practice squad candidate. He is currently dealing with some sort of injury that kept him out of practice on Thursday, which is not good for his chances. Fans want him to make the team since he is from the area and went to Navy, but the odds are stacked against him.
The running back shares similar traits as others fighting for a roster spot in Pittsburgh. There are a few other players just like him who have the same versatility and drive to be great, and beat writer Mark Kaboly believes some of those guys have been standing out a bit more than Heidenreich.
"He's in a tough situation, just too many people," Kaboly said. "Too many people for that position. I don't see how he makes the team. Nothing against him, it's just a loaded backfield, a loaded area. Other people are very similar to him. You're not getting rid of [Kaden] Wetjen. Max Hurleman is probably better than him right now."
Some of the guys that fit the same mold as Heidenreich are Max Hurleman and Kaden Wetjen. Hurleman was undrafted during the 2025 offseason, and he spent last season on the practice squad in Pittsburgh. Wetjen was a fourth round pick in 2026, and he is more than likely going to make the team based on his draft position.
Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers' Eli Heidenreich stands on stage after being drafted by the team in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Wetjen made a name for himself as a returner, and the Steelers shocked some people by drafting him in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. He is not expected to do much on offense, but he should become one of the better returners in the league based on the praise he has received so far. He, Heidenreich, and Hurleman all fit the same mold though as mentioned. This will make it difficult for the former Navy man to make the final roster.
Steelers Can Try To Stash Eli Heidenreich
Heidenreich might not be good enough to make the final roster, but the Steelers could get away with stashing him on the practice squad throughout the 2026 season. There is some risk involved as he could sign with a different team during that time, and his versatility might make him an attractive target for some other teams around the NFL. The Steelers could lose the elusive back, but stashing him on the practice squad might also be the only way to keep him. He still has time to flash and prove he should make the final roster. He just needs to get healthy enough to play in the preseason.
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