Donald Parham Jr. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Steelers TE out for season with torn Achilles tendon

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Larry Brown | Last updated Jun 4, 2025 8:03 AM ET

The Pittsburgh Steelers have lost one of their free-agent signings to a season-ending injury.

Tight end Donald Parham Jr. suffered a torn Achilles tendon during the Steelers’ offseason team activities (OTAs) on Tuesday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Torn Achilles tendons usually take nine to 12 months of recovery, which would knock Parham out for the 2025 NFL season.

Parham, 27, was entering his fifth NFL season. He had played the first four seasons of his NFL career with the Los Angeles Chargers. He had 27 catches for 285 yards and four touchdowns in 2023 — all of which were career-high marks. He then spent last season on the Broncos’ practice squad.

The Steelers still have Pat Freiermuth at tight end, along with Darnell Washington, who has received rave reviews this offseason.

Darnell Washington has looked very good at OTAs. I know I always say you can't tell much from OTA's but you can tell that he's quicker, faster and more nimble than his first two years. Still got some good hands too.
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) May 29, 2025

The Steelers reportedly have renewed trade talks for Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith, who is a favorite of Pittsburgh offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.

This was a bad break for Parham, who was hoping to start racking up some stats again in the NFL.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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