Pat Freiermuth Will Play 84th NFL Game Sunday

The Steelers tight end reaches a career milestone during this weekend's matchup at Gillette Stadium.

Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Football

Expressive editorial sports illustration of a Pittsburgh Steelers player in motion, captured in black and gold team colors on a football field. — Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth is set to reach a career milestone this Sunday as he plays in his 84th NFL game against the Patriots. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth will play his 84th career NFL game this Sunday, September 20, 2026. This appearance marks a notable milestone for the sixth-year player as he continues to serve as a primary vertical target in the team's offense.

Why it matters

Freiermuth's increased offensive usage is driven by the coaching staff's decision to prioritize him as a vertical tight end following the departure of Jonnu Smith. This strategic shift has significantly elevated his role within the Steelers' offensive scheme.

Freiermuth played 73.1% of the team's offensive snaps in the season-opening 20-13 win against the Atlanta Falcons. The tight end has caught passes from eight different quarterbacks throughout his 84-game career.

The players

Pat Freiermuth

He is a sixth-year NFL tight end currently playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers who has worked with four different offensive coordinators.

Mike McCarthy

He is the head coach currently overseeing the offensive usage and tactical deployment of the Steelers' roster.

Jonnu Smith

He is a former Steelers tight end whose departure from the team directly impacted the snap counts of other players on the roster.

Pittsburgh Steelers

This is an NFL franchise based in Pittsburgh that plays its home games at Acrisure Stadium.

The details

Currently the third-ranked Steelers skill player in offensive snaps, Freiermuth utilizes option and vertical seam routes to stretch the field. He is secured for the long term, remaining under contract for two years beyond the 2026 season.

Pat Freiermuth was selected as a second-round NFL draft pick in 2021.
The Steelers played their season opener against the Atlanta Falcons in September 2026.
Pat Freiermuth turns 28 years old on September 20, 2026.
Pat Freiermuth plays his 84th career NFL game on Sunday, September 20, 2026.

Season Trajectory

Freiermuth's development into a central vertical threat mirrors the expected career arc of a high-value draft selection transitioning into a veteran leader. His expanded snap count positions him as a cornerstone of the offense as the team pushes through the current season.

Freiermuth's high snap percentage and role in the vertical passing game make him a high-volume target for fantasy football managers seeking reliable tight end production. The team's reliance on his seam routes suggests he will remain a primary contributor in all high-leverage offensive sets.

The takeaway

The steady rise of a veteran tight end highlights how coaching staff adjustments can maximize a player's long-term utility within a changing offensive scheme. Identifying reliable vertical targets who consistently earn high snap counts is essential for maintaining offensive momentum throughout a long season.