MyCole

Pruitt

Pruitt serves as the team’s No. 2 tight end, operating primarily as a run-blocking specialist so his absence will not drastically alter the target distribution. The Steelers’ abnormally deep tight end room should be able to pick up the run-game slack as well.

The run-blocking specialist was injured in Week 2 and his Week 3 status remains unknown. Pruitt is not fantasy-relevant even if active though.

The Steelers frequently utilize both two- and three-tight end snaps so Pruitt’s injury may somewhat alter their game plans moving forward. Though the Steelers’ run-heavy play-calling can frustrate fantasy managers, Pruitt is a bullying blocker and his potential absence could be felt, if slightly. Among 65 NFL tight ends with at least 35 offensive snaps, Pruitt’s 63.2 PFF run-blocking grade ranks 13th. LB Tyler Matakevich also suffered a hamstring injury.

Freiermuth was the second-most targeted pass-catcher for Justin Fields, used mostly with short-area receptions. MyCole Pruitt and Darnell Washington each had a catch, but neither will be fantasy relevant. Recently extended, Freiermuth will be a top-three option in the Steelers offense, though there may be a lack of red zone targets as seen in Week 1. Value Freiermuth as a TE2 for Week 2 against the Broncos.

New OC Arthur Smith is employing a heavy tight end rotation, featuring Freiermuth (12 first-team snaps), Darnell Washington (eight first-team snaps) and MyCole Pruitt (six first-team snaps). PFF’s Nathan Jahnke notes Freiermuth was worryingly removed from the field for two-tight end sets, which poses a significant threat to his 2024 fantasy relevance.

An Arthur Smith favorite going on half a decade now, Pruitt played for Art in both Tennessee and Atlanta. Like the Falcons, the Steelers have a full house at tight end. but also like he did with the Falcons, Smith undoubtedly plans to find Pruitt a few balls with the Steelers. Headed into his age-32 season, Pruitt is admittedly durable and versatile.

Mariota beat the defense to the corner for his rushing score. His two TDs went to his tight ends, the first to MyCole Pruitt and the second to Kyle Pitts. Mariota only threw for 129 yards, but he had an impressive 9.2 yards per attempt, he was simply not asked to do much as a passer in this game. With the Falcons never trailing in this game and benefitting from a defensive TD, Mariota captained an extremely run-heavy offense. The Falcons can be expected to play ball control once again when they take on the Bengals in Week 7.

Pruitt appeared in 16 games for the Titans in 2021, taking the field for 479 snaps. Primarily a blocker, Pruitt caught 14 passes for 145 yards and three scores. His season ended in Week 17 after he suffered a dislocation and fracture of his right ankle. Pruitt could earn some reps as a blocker in in sets with multiple tight ends.

Pruitt’s season is over with what looked like a dislocated and broken right ankle. He immediately needed on-field medical attention and was placed in an air cast. Part of the Titans’ three-way TE committee, Pruitt set career highs with 14 catches for 145 yards and three touchdowns across 16 games.

Firkser missed Week 2 against Seattle as well. His role was split between Geoff Swaim and MyCole Pruitt. Given how low volume the Titans’ passing game has been, neither player is fantasy relevant this week. Firkser will attempt to return to dart throw tight end status in Week 4 against the Jets.