Heyward secured two of four targets for 23 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's 20-17 loss to Dallas. Heyward had racked up just two receiving yards over the first four weeks of the regular season, but he saw his target share increase Sunday despite playing just 13 offensive snaps. While it was encouraging that he reached the end zone for the first time since 2022, he hasn't established himself as a consistent fantasy option alongside teammates Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington.
Heyward secured both of his targets for four yards and a touchdown during Friday's 20-12 preseason loss to the Texans. Heyward wasn't a consistent part of the Steelers' passing game last year, as he secured 23 of 34 targets for 167 yards. However, he had a six-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter of Friday's preseason opener. Although it was encouraging to see Heyward reach the end zone against Houston, he's unlikely to be a reliable contributor during the regular season, as he remains behind Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington on the Steelers' depth chart at tight end.
The Steelers had their best game of the season offensively during Sunday's win after offensive coordinator Matt Canada was recently fired, and starting tight end Pat Freiermuth benefited by securing nine of 11 targets for 120 yards. Although Heyward had multiple catches for the sixth time in his last seven appearances, he was unable to rack up many yards and doesn't have much upside now that Freiermuth is back to full healthy.
Heyward saw increased work once again Sunday with Pat Freiermuth (hamstring) still on injured reserve. Heyward racked up a season-high 32 yards during the narrow victory, but that production isn't enough to give him much fantasy appeal. Freiermuth could return to action as soon as the Steelers' Week 11 matchup against Cleveland next Sunday, and Heyward's offensive impact will likely be minimal once Freiermuth is back.