The Pittsburgh Steelers could have a difficult time finding snaps for seventh-round running back Eli Heidenreich. The rookie is one of six running backs on the team’s offseason roster and will enter offseason workouts clearly behind the team’s top three backs.
But based on head coach Mike McCarthy’s first comments on Heidenreich after the Steelers selected him on Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Navy product will have an opportunity to carve out a role.
It could even be a role that other Steelers offensive players won’t have a chance to earn.
“I have a lot of respect for what he’s done the last four years,” McCarthy said on Heidenreich to reporters Saturday. “We talk about how many downs a player plays. Does he play all four downs, his ability to play multiple positions?
“I think Eli definitely brings that to the table.
“I met with [Brian] Angelichio briefly earlier; I think we’re going to open up the playbook a little bit.”
The Steelers grabbed Heidenreich with their last selection of the 2026 NFL Draft. That was No. 230 overall in the seventh round.
Heidenreich starred at Navy for three seasons. In 2025, he posted 1,440 yards from scrimmage and nine touchdowns.
Prior to that, Heidenreich played high school football at Mt. Lebanon High School. That’s located in Pittsburgh’s South Hills about seven miles from Acrisure Stadium.
How Eli Heidenreich Could Fit in Steelers Offense
Pundits expect veteran Jaylen Warren and free agent signing Rico Dowdle to lead the Steelers running back room. The team also still has 2025 third-round pick Kaleb Johnson.
While he experienced a disappointing rookie campaign, there are still high hopes Johnson will be able to fulfill his lofty draft hype.
Still, it appears McCarthy already has a plan for the local product. More than likely, it’s as more of a pass-catcher than running back.
At Navy, Heidenreich averaged 18.3 yards per reception in his career. Last season, he posted career highs of 51 receptions and 941 receiving yards (18.5 yards per catch) with six touchdowns.
Heidenreich contributed on the ground as well. As a senior last season, he rushed for 499 yards and three scores.
But Heidenreich could be the slot receiver the Steelers still needed to add before the 2026 NFL Draft. At the very least, he could contribute in that area.
Based on the “downs” comment McCarthy made, pundits shouldn’t rule out Heidenreich as a third-down option. How well he can hold up in pass protection will ultimately determine if he can fill that role. But his pass-catching ability will give him a chance to receive third-down snaps in the backfield.
Steelers RB Depth for NFL Offseason Workouts
More than likely, Heidenreich will enter offseason workouts as the RB4 on Pittsburgh’s roster. He will compete with veteran Travis Homer and Lew Nichols for playing time behind Warren, Dowdle and Johnson.
Fellow Day 3 pick Riley Nowakowski could also get snaps in the backfield. While Nowakowski played tight end in college, pundits expect the rookie to fill the Connor Heyward role in Pittsburgh’s offense.
Over the past four years, Heyward played tight end and fullback.
Pittsburgh grabbed Nowakowski in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Steelers also have Max Hurleman listed as a running back although on some offseason depth charts, he is considered a wide receiver.
To contribute as a rookie, Heidenreich will likely have to showcase the versatility he had in college, especially as a pass-catcher.
Mike McCarthy Sends Message on Eli Heidenrich’s Role in Steelers Offense