Injuries are inevitable in the game of football, and they can happen even during what most would consider "light" practices like voluntary OTAs. With the Pittsburgh Steelers kicking off another week of OTAs on Tuesday, one of those unfortunate injuries came to pass.
Tight end Donald Parham Jr. was looking to make a return to the NFL after not playing in 2024, but he suffered an Achilles injury at practice, according to Adam Schefter.
Parham Jr. wasn't a lock to make the Steelers roster, but for a team lacking in offensive weapons, he may have had a role next to fellow tight ends Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington.
Pittsburgh Steelers can't catch a break with injury to Donald Parham Jr.
Achilles injuries can be devastating, especially for offensive players who often rely heavily on their ability to make cuts and accelerate quickly. Part of Parham Jr.'s appeal is his surprising speed and leaping ability for a 6-8, 240-pound tight end. Now that he will likely miss the entire season, the Steelers lack a player with his skill set.
Freiermuth and Washington are good tight ends, but they don't play above the rim like the former Los Angeles Charger has shown the ability to do. Considering they also no longer employ jump-ball specialist George Pickens, and the Pittsburgh offense truly lacks a difference-maker on 50-50 balls.
One would think that D.K. Metcalf offers them something in that regard, but he has rarely been great in true jump-ball situations throughout his career. The same thing applies to former Bills and Jaguars receiver Gabe Davis, who will be visiting with the team this week.
It's hard to say whether this loss will impact the offense in any significant way, but the Steelers are not a team that can afford to lose any potential contributors on offense.
Whether it's Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph, or even rookie Will Howard running the offense this year, they will need all the help they can get. Losing Parham Jr. won't make their job any easier.