Is Eli Heidenreich at risk of being cut by the Steelers?
Yes — Steelers seventh-round rookie Eli Heidenreich is genuinely at risk of being cut before the 2026 regular season. Pittsburgh's fan-favorite local pick sits on the roster bubble behind Jaylen Warren, Rico Dowdle, and Kaleb Johnson in a loaded running back room. His versatility still gives him a narrow path to the 53-man roster, but final cuts could go either way.
Key Takeaways
- Heidenreich, a Pittsburgh native and Navy product, was drafted in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
- Analysts see him on the roster bubble if Pittsburgh keeps only three running backs.
- His dual-threat skill set fits Mike McCarthy's offense, but depth at running back works against him.
- Some projections favor the practice squad over a 53-man spot in his rookie year.
- Strong camp and preseason play could still earn him a bottom-of-the-depth-chart role.
Heidenreich has drawn buzz as one of the Steelers' most exciting recent draft picks, with nicknames like Christian McCaffrey 2.0 and Captain America circulating among fans. Yet excitement alone does not guarantee a roster spot when training camp gives way to final cuts.
Who is Eli Heidenreich?
Eli Heidenreich is a Pittsburgh native who starred at Mt. Lebanon High School before playing for Navy from 2022 through 2025. The Steelers selected him in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft, adding a versatile weapon who can contribute as both a running back and a receiver.
That flexibility is especially valuable in Mike McCarthy's offense. As Yahoo Sports notes, Heidenreich brings playmaking ability that could eventually earn him a larger role — even if a starting job remains a distant prospect for now.
Why is Heidenreich on the roster bubble?
The core issue is numbers. Pittsburgh's running back room is crowded, and if the Steelers keep only three backs, Jaylen Warren, Rico Dowdle, and Kaleb Johnson would almost certainly hold those spots ahead of Heidenreich.
Heidenreich could unfortunately fall victim to final roster cuts before the regular season despite his upside. The same roster-spotlight analysis that frames his story also underscores how loaded that position group has become heading into 2026.
What would Heidenreich need to do to make the 53-man roster?
According to Sports Illustrated, Heidenreich is one of the names to watch when training camp and the preseason begin. He is not just a hometown feel-good pick — he brings a skill set that makes him a real candidate for a depth role.
His best NFL translation may come as a runner and passing threat out of the backfield, where he can get the ball in space and do damage. Analysts compare his potential career arc to versatile backs like former Bengals and Patriots running back Rex Burkhead rather than a full-time star workload.
Heidenreich has not yet earned the lion's share of rushing and receiving looks that defined his Navy production. Strong showings during training camp and the preseason could be the difference between making the 53-man roster or landing on the practice squad.
Could Heidenreich still carve out a role in 2026?
There is a credible path forward. Sports Illustrated argues the 22-year-old might be a betting favorite for the practice squad, but his versatility still makes him a legitimate bottom-of-the-chart option for McCarthy's offense.
Even if he fades into the background as a rookie, the long-term hope is that Heidenreich develops into a rising offensive threat over time. Roster decisions this summer will determine whether that development starts on the active roster or continues behind the scenes.
For more coverage of emerging talent and high-stakes roster battles, browse our Future Tech & AI Wonders section.