---
title: "Steelers Rookie Eli Heidenreich Tipped as NFL Preseason Player to Watch"
url: https://projectchintan.com/article/steelers-rookie-eli-heidenreich-preseason-nfl-watch-fd51m
publisher: Project Chintan
author: Project Chintan Newsroom
section: Sports
published: 2026-08-14T01:45:21.477Z
modified: 2026-08-14T04:30:07.071Z
language: en-IN
---

# Steelers Rookie Eli Heidenreich Tipped as NFL Preseason Player to Watch

Pittsburgh Steelers rookie running back Eli Heidenreich has been highlighted as a player to watch in the NFL preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers. Despite an earlier injury, Heidenreich aims to impress and secure a spot on the 53-man roster.

## Key takeaways

- Steelers rookie running back Eli Heidenreich is being closely watched in the preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers.
- Heidenreich, a seventh-round pick from Navy, overcame an early training camp injury and is expected to play.
- Commentator Kyle Brandt has identified Heidenreich as a player of significant interest in the NFL preseason.
- Heidenreich holds Navy's all-time receiving record and has drawn comparisons to Christian McCaffrey.

Pittsburgh Steelers seventh-round draft pick Eli Heidenreich is gaining attention ahead of the team's preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers. National Football League commentator Kyle Brandt has named Heidenreich as his top player to watch in the preseason matchups.

## What Happened

Heidenreich, a running back from the U.S. Naval Academy, was a notable draft selection for the Steelers. Early in training camp, he missed time due to an undisclosed injury, impacting his opportunity to make the 53-man roster. However, he is expected to participate in the preseason opener. Brandt specifically cited Heidenreich as a player he is excited to see, noting his background as a hometown product with a unique skill set.

## Background

Heidenreich, who wore number 22 at Navy, has been compared to Christian McCaffrey due to his dual-threat capabilities and his status as Navy's all-time leading receiver. While the publisher notes these comparisons may be excessive, Heidenreich is recognized for his dynamic playmaking ability. His selection in the seventh round was a significant moment for the hometown product, fulfilling a lifelong dream. He is currently listed as RB6 on the team's depth chart.

## Key Facts

- Pittsburgh Steelers seventh-round draft pick is Eli Heidenreich.

- Heidenreich is a former Navy star running back.

- He missed training camp time due to an undisclosed injury.

- He is expected to play in the preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers.

- Kyle Brandt of Good Morning Football highlighted Heidenreich as a player to watch in preseason openers.

- Heidenreich is the all-time leading receiver in Navy history.

- He is currently listed as RB6 on the Steelers' depth chart.

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Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/steelers-rookie-eli-heidenreich-preseason-nfl-watch-fd51m
Reported from: Multiple Sources