Steelers Add Pat Freiermuth to Injury Report Just Before Bengals Game

The Pittsburgh Steelers tight end may not play in a huge rivalry game.

Oct 18, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) looks on during the third quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

PITTSBURGH — Pat Freiermuth has played a big role in the Pittsburgh Steelers' offense in 2026, but they may not have him for their upcoming contest.

The Steelers announced that they added Freiermuth to their injury report with an illness ahead of their Week 10 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium.

Freiermuth has started all eight games for the Steelers this season and made 25 catches on 35 targets for 235 yards and four touchdowns.

He had his best game in the 34-22 win over the Indianapolis Colts at Acrisure Stadium in Week 5, with five catches on seven targets for 44 yards and two touchdowns, a one-yard score in the second quarter and then a 17-yard grab to put the Steelers up 31-22 in the fourth quarter.

Freiermuth had a season-high 46 yards on five catches and a touchdown in the 20-13 home win over the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1.

He hasn't missed a game in the past two seasons, and last didn't play back in 2023, when he missed four games with a hamstring injury.

Freiermuth was questionable with a calf injury for the Week 6 matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the road, but still played, with two catches for 11 yards.

The Steelers will have to turn to Darnell Washington if Freiermuth is out against the Bengals, who himself has had a great season.