Mike McCarthy Predicted Pat Freiermuth Pro Bowl Status

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy touted the tight end's breakout performance and high offensive utilization.

Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Football

Mike McCarthy Predicted Pat Freiermuth Pro Bowl Status

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Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy has predicted that tight end Pat Freiermuth will reach Pro Bowl status this season. This endorsement followed Freiermuth's two-touchdown game against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 5.

Why it matters

McCarthy noted that his offensive scheme has unlocked new potential for the tight end, who currently leads all NFL players at his position in receiving touchdowns. Freiermuth is playing a career-high 69 percent of Pittsburgh's offensive snaps.

Pat Freiermuth is tied for the league lead in receiving touchdowns among tight ends and has logged 69 percent of offensive snaps through five games. He is currently on track to record 13.6 touchdowns for the 2026 season.

The players

Mike McCarthy

Mike McCarthy serves as the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers and has previously held leadership roles with other NFL franchises.

Pat Freiermuth

Pat Freiermuth is a tight end for the Pittsburgh Steelers who has established himself as a key target in the team's passing offense.

Michael Pittman Jr.

Michael Pittman Jr. is a wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers who is currently managing an injury.

Roman Wilson

Roman Wilson is a wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers who is currently sidelined due to injury.

The details

Freiermuth's strong performance against Indianapolis marked the third multi-touchdown game of his professional career. The Steelers have increased his usage within 12 personnel formations to account for injuries to wide receivers Michael Pittman Jr. and Roman Wilson.

Week 2 2026: Mike McCarthy discussed the tight end's potential during meetings in New England.
Week 5 2026: Pat Freiermuth scored two touchdowns in the game against the Indianapolis Colts.
2026-10-12
The official report regarding McCarthy's comments on the player was broadcast.

Season Trajectory

The increased reliance on two-tight-end sets follows the NFL's 12 personnel formation usage statistics as a way to maintain offensive production during depth shortages. This tactical shift directly impacts Freiermuth's statistical ceiling for the remainder of the season.

Freiermuth's elevated usage rate in 12 personnel schemes makes him a primary fantasy football option for the duration of the current wide receiver injury crisis. His current touchdown pace positions him as a significant factor in the team's offensive efficiency metrics.

The takeaway

Coaches often identify breakout candidates by monitoring internal snap counts and target shares before they reflect in league-wide data. Readers should watch for sustained usage of specific personnel groupings as a leading indicator of player performance.