Steelers will have another big playmaker back in Week 7

The Steelers announced on Monday that WR Diontae Johnson and RB Anthony McFarland have returned to practice, but there is another big playmaker who is on track to be back in Week 7 as well.

"I will be good to go this week," tight end Pat Freiermuth said via the team's website. "I am excited to get back out there. I feel good."

Freiermuth missed Pittsburgh's Week 5 game against the Ravens with a hamstring injury but said he would have been able to play if the team had a game in Week 6.

"It was awesome being able to get the extra week, not having to worry about rushing back for a game," Freiermuth added. "I probably would have been able to play if we were to play. Having that extra time, you know how hamstrings are, they can lag all year."

Adding the 6-foot-5, 258-pound tight end back into the lineup is a huge boost for a Steelers offense that is the sixth-worst in the league in passing yards per game (187.8). 

It hasn't been the start to the year Freiermuth was likely imagining as he has eight catches for 53 yards and two touchdowns. He and second-year QB Kenny Pickett have shown their connection before, and it's a good bet that it'll heat back up.

Pittsburgh's offense figured things out following its bye week in 2022 as the team went 7-2 down the stretch. If history repeats itself, teams should beware as the Steelers are getting healthier.

"It's going to be awesome to get all of our people back," Freiermuth finished. "Hopefully we can get back to the form we were in camp. We are all looking forward to it."

Pittsburgh's first test after the bye won't be easy as the team heads to Los Angeles to face the Rams (3-3), who are allowing just 208.2 passing yards per game.