Pittsburgh Steelers tight finish Donald Parham Jr tore his Achilles throughout OTAs and is probably going out for the 2025 NFL season.
What Occurred to Donald Parham Jr?
The Pittsburgh Steelers had been dealt a serious blow on Tuesday when newly signed tight finish Donald Parham Jr suffered a torn Achilles throughout OTAs.
In keeping with ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the 27-year-old is predicted to overlook your entire 2025 NFL season.
Parham had signed a one-year, $1.17 million contract with the Steelers earlier this offseason after 4 seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers. The damage seemingly ends his Pittsburgh tenure earlier than it ever formally begins.
Donald Parham Achilles Damage Restoration Time
A torn Achilles usually requires 9–12 months of restoration, which means Parham’s 2025 season is sort of definitely over. He’ll bear surgical procedure adopted by a prolonged rehab course of, with the hope of returning in time for 2026 free company.
The timing couldn’t be worse. Parham was coming off a career-best yr in 2024 with the Chargers, hauling in 27 receptions for 285 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Steelers Tight Finish Depth
With Parham sidelined, the Steelers’ tight finish depth chart adjustments considerably. Final season’s starter, Pat Freiermuth, stays the obvious possibility. The workforce additionally has Darnell Washington and JJ Galbreath on the roster.
Nevertheless, Parham’s damage has reportedly reopened the door for a possible commerce with the Miami Dolphins for Jonnu Smith. Talks between the 2 groups had beforehand cooled however at the moment are again on, per Schefter.
Are the Steelers Buying and selling for Jonnu Smith?
The Steelers have resumed commerce discussions with Miami for tight finish Jonnu Smith, who’s coming off a Professional Bowl season in 2024. Smith notched 884 receiving yards and eight touchdowns for the Dolphins and is reportedly looking for a brand new contract.
Whereas Smith’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, has mentioned Miami stays his shopper’s most popular vacation spot, Pittsburgh’s rising want at tight finish may result in an aggressive push to accumulate him.
How Will Parham’s Damage Have an effect on Steelers Offense?
Parham wasn’t anticipated to be the centerpiece of the offense, however he would’ve been a useful purple zone goal and rotational pass-catcher. His loss narrows the workforce’s choices, significantly if one other tight finish suffers an damage.
Extra critically, Pittsburgh nonetheless lacks readability at quarterback. Aaron Rodgers stays unsigned, and the workforce is reportedly ready on his choice. Till then, Mason Rudolph is the presumptive starter.
When Do the Steelers Open the 2025 NFL Season?
The Steelers start their 2025 marketing campaign on September 7 in opposition to the New York Jets—the previous workforce of Aaron Rodgers.
With a playoff-caliber protection and lingering uncertainty on offense, all eyes will likely be on the quarterback room and whether or not the workforce can safe one other confirmed pass-catcher earlier than Week 1.
