Pat Freiermuth Steelers’ Lone Bright Spot, Despite Suffering Chest Injury

Joe Staszak September 10, 2023September 10, 2023 NFL, Pat Freiermuth, Penn State Football

In a game that was pretty much over a few minutes into the second quarter former Penn State tight end Pat Freiermuth did everything he could to make it a contest for the home town Steelers, who hosted the vaunted San Francisco 49ers in the season opener.

If nothing else the third year starter showed the world that he certainly isn’t soft.

With the Steelers trailing 20-0 in the waning moments of the the first half the 24 year old Happy Valley alum was laid out by 49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga and had to leave the game with a chest injury.

Freiermuth was immediately listed as questionable to return.

But, Freiermuth did return and just five plays later caught a three yard touchdown pass from Kenny Pickett to cut the 49ers lead to 20-7 at the half.

The MUUUUUTH Dab 😤😂 @pat_fry5

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That would be Freiermuth’s only reception of the game as he did not return in the second half.

Things got worse for the home team after the break as just two plays into the second half Christian McCaffrey busted a home run from 65 yards out to give San Francisco a 27-7 lead and on the very next series Pittsburgh wide out Diontae Johnson would tweak a hamstring after a 26 yard reception and he would not return.

The 49ers would go on to a 30-7 victory over the Steelers.

Right now Freiermuth is day to day and in his absence Darnell Washington and Connor Heyward are the next men up for the Steelers on the tight end depth chart.