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Steelers rookie TE Pat Freiermuth in concussion protocol

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 11/30/21

The Pittsburgh Steelers recently placed tight end Eric Ebron on injured reserve because of a knee issue he picked up in the loss at the Los Angeles Chargers back on Nov. 21 and could be without another key figure at that position for this coming Sunday's pivotal divisional matchup with the first-place Baltimore Ravens.

According to Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk, Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin confirmed Tuesday that rookie and primary tight end Pat Freiermuth is in the concussion protocol because of a knock he suffered during Sunday's blowout loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.

Freiermuth recorded Pittsburgh's only touchdown of that humbling 41-10 defeat in the fourth quarter and well after the game's result was determined:

Ben Roethlisberger (14) 15 yard touchdown pass to Pat Freiermuth (6) #HereWeGo pic.twitter.com/mfAMm85uMP
— Steelers Touchdowns (@PittsburghTDs) November 28, 2021

Tomlin has since earned criticism from media members and fans for keeping Freiermuth and other noteworthy players in a contest that couldn't be won considering the Steelers were trailing by over five touchdowns in the closing minutes:

Pat Freiermuth in concussion protocol. Something that was completely avoidable. But the Steeler way says you keeping playing down 38 points. Hope it was worth it.
— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) November 30, 2021

It's unknown if Freiermuth will clear the concussion protocol by Sunday afternoon. Per ESPN stats, the second-round draft selection leads the team with six touchdown receptions, sits third with 40 catches, and is fourth with 327 receiving yards and 53 targets. If he can't play against the Ravens, he'll attempt to get right for the "Thursday Night Football" showdown with the Minnesota Vikings on Dec. 9.

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