Steelers' Pat Freiermuth Shares Passionate Update About Star Offensive Lineman: 'He's Always Communicating'

The Pittsburgh Steelers have dealt with multiple injuries throughout the course of training camp. Offensive tackle Calvin Anderson suffered a lower body injury at the end of the Steelers' Friday Night Lights practice, as the team will remain hopeful that Anderson will be available at the start of the regular season. Anderson was signed last year as a replacement for then injured rookie Troy Fautanu, as Fautanu is expected to be fully healthy to start the season for the first time in his career.

Fautanu, who appeared in just one game last season, is a promising offensive tackle that is widely expected to bounce back throughout his sophomore season. Selected with the 20th overall pick in 2024, Fautanu was considered to be one of the more talented offensive linemen from his class and should have no problem thriving in the trenches should he prove to be fully healthy. 

Fautanu was a star at the collegiate level as well, as the former Washington Husky played a major role in the team's success throughout his time with the program. Steelers' tight end Pat Freiermuth recently spoke about Fautanu's progress throughout the offseason, as the talented tight end claimed that his teammate has looked excellent.

"Troy's been great." Freiermuth stated. "He's attacked rehab very well, and he's out there, and he doesn't even look like a rookie. He looks like he played all last year. He's really smart."

Freiermuth then went on to speak about Fautanu's communication skills, claiming the lineman is elite when it comes to combination blocks.

"It's fun to go and work with him on triples and combination blocks with the tackles because he's always communicating."

Freiermuth's comments make sense, as the rising star's talent and communication skills played a major role in his first round selection last year. Fautanu and the rest of the Steelers offensive line will be tasked with one of the hardest jobs in all of football- protecting 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers. Entering his 21st NFL season, Rodgers is a four-time MVP and future Hall of Fame quarterback that could add some major firepower to the Steelers' offense should the offensive line prove to protect him.

Rodgers signed a one year deal with the Steelers following a failed two year tenure with the New York Jets, as Rodgers' time in New York was highlighted by injuries and mediocrity. It will be crucial that Fautanu and the rest of Pittsburgh's offensive line do their job in protecting Rodgers, as one big hit may result in the end of the 41 year old's career. With Fautanu set to bounce back in 2025, fans should continue to monitor the rising star throughout the course of training camp.

Steelers' Pat Freiermuth Expected To Be Tight End One To Start The Season

With the start of the regular season just around the corner, many feel as if the Steelers have one of the deeper tight end rooms in all of football. Pittsburgh currently has Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith and Darnell Washington at their disposal, as Freiermuth is expected to remain as the tight end one (TE1) to open the season. Smith is expected to play an expanded role and may see time at wide receiver as well, as the veteran's athletic ability allows for him to play multiple positions on the field.

Freiermuth is expected to pick up where he left off last season, as the promising tight end has continued to improve throughout every stage of his young career. The 6'5", 258 pound tight end was credited with 653 yards on 78 receptions last season, while totaling seven touchdowns. Both Freiermuth and Smith are expected to become top beneficiaries of Rodgers' presence as well, as both are expected to emerge as regular targets at the veteran quarterback's disposal.

With both Freiermuth and Fautanu set to play crucial roles on the Steelers' offense throughout 2025, many feel as if Pittsburgh has one of the more underrated offensive units in all of football. 

Fautanu is expected to bounce back following a gruesome injury suffered last season, as the promising lineman will finally get his shot to showcase his full abilities. Fans are encouraged to keep a close eye on both Fautanu and Freiermuth throughout the course of training camp, as both are expected to be starters throughout the regular season.