Steelers rookie faces uphill battle after official depth chart release

[ASFN Admin]

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ newly released depth chart is a blessing to some and a curse to others. Unfortunately, seventh-round rookie Eli Heidenreich finds himself in the latter category.

In the first depth chart released by the Steelers on Wednesday, the fan-favorite rookie Heidenreich was listed as the co-RB5 with Travis Homer, behind Jaylen Warren, Rico Dowdle, Kaleb Johnson, and Lew Nichols.

#Steelers just released their first preseason depth chart. #herewego

- Will Howard listed ahead of Drew Allar
- Broderick Jones listed 2nd team LT
- Dylan Cook 1st team RT, Max Iheanachor 2nd
-Spencer Anderson starting RG
-Eli Heidenreich RB5
-Carson Bruner officially over… pic.twitter.com/7Qo6TRelxr

— RodgersBurgh (@realisticPGHfan) August 5, 2026

Heidenreich, selected by the Steelers with the 230th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, set multiple school records during his time at Navy, where he cemented himself as a talented running back-wide receiver hybrid.

A Pittsburgh native who has been compared to Christian McCaffrey throughout the draft process, Heidenreich earned the support of many fans over the past several months. But making the 53-man roster isn’t a popularity contest, and Heidenreich needs to at least surpass Homer and Nichols to even have a chance at securing a spot.

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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers rookie faces uphill battle after official depth chart release

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