The Pittsburgh Steelers are facing growing questions about their special teams unit, and one rookie's lack of opportunities is becoming an interesting part of the conversation. Running back Eli Heidenreich was considered a long shot to even make Pittsburgh's roster entering the season, but he managed to earn a place within the organization. Now, Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo is questioning why the team has not found more ways to utilize him. His comments are particularly noteworthy given the criticism surrounding special teams coordinator Danny Crossman.
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Pittsburgh Steelers running back Eli Heidenreich during 2026 training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Heidenreich entered the NFL without the expectations typically associated with a highly regarded draft prospect. Simply making Pittsburgh's roster represented an accomplishment for a young player who faced considerable competition throughout the offseason. However, earning a roster spot and receiving meaningful opportunities are two entirely different challenges. The Steelers have yet to establish a significant role for Heidenreich, despite ongoing questions about their return game.
Fittipaldo recently discussed the rookie's situation and expressed confusion about Pittsburgh's approach. The longtime Steelers reporter believes Heidenreich could potentially provide something the special teams unit has been missing. He also raised an interesting concern about the organization's decision to invest draft capital in two players with similar skill sets.
"Heidenreich... not sure what's going on there," Fittipaldo said. "It's not like their return game is any good. He actually might be able to help out there. I said it at the time and I'll say it again. He and Wetjen are very similar players. And they used two draft picks on them."
That assessment raises a fair question about how Pittsburgh evaluates its younger players. Heidenreich was never guaranteed a prominent role, and expecting him to immediately become an established NFL contributor would have been unrealistic. However, Fittipaldo's point is that the Steelers have already invested resources into developing him. If the return game continues struggling, exploring another option should at least be part of the discussion.
The comparison to Kaden Wetjen makes the situation particularly intriguing. Pittsburgh invested draft selections in both players, suggesting the organization identified qualities worth developing. Fittipaldo believes their similarities deserve additional attention, especially when considering how the Steelers intend to distribute opportunities.
There is nothing inherently wrong with drafting players who possess overlapping strengths. NFL teams frequently pursue prospects with similar athletic profiles because competition can help identify the most effective contributors. However, the approach becomes harder to understand when neither player consistently provides the desired impact in the return game.
Heidenreich's situation also illustrates how difficult it can be for young receivers to establish themselves beyond their primary position. Players fighting for roster spots often need to contribute on special teams before earning significant offensive responsibilities. For someone who entered the season facing long odds, proving he can help in the return game could represent an important opportunity.
Steelers' Danny Crossman Faces Important Questions About Special Teams
The larger issue surrounding Fittipaldo's comments is the performance of Pittsburgh's special teams unit under Crossman. The coordinator has faced criticism as the Steelers have struggled to consistently generate positive results in the return game. Those concerns make the handling of Heidenreich more relevant than it might otherwise appear.
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Pittsburgh Steelers special teams coach Danny Crossman looks over to some of his players in the distance while the team practices in the 2026 offseason at the UPMC Sports Complex.
Crossman was brought in to help oversee a critical part of Pittsburgh's operation. Special teams can influence field position, create scoring opportunities, and determine the outcome of close games. When a unit struggles, the coaching staff must evaluate whether changes in personnel or approach could produce better results.
That does not mean Heidenreich would automatically solve Pittsburgh's problems. Returning kicks and punts in the NFL requires excellent decision-making, reliable ball security, and an understanding of coverage responsibilities. The coaching staff may have legitimate reasons for its current personnel decisions that have not been publicly explained.
Nevertheless, Fittipaldo's criticism deserves consideration because he is not suggesting Pittsburgh abandon its entire special teams approach. Instead, he is questioning why a rookie with potential has not received more opportunities while the team searches for answers. That is an important distinction when evaluating whether Crossman is maximizing the talent available to him.
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