Eli Heidenreich

Pittsburgh Steelers
Running Back

Personal

Age	22
Birthdate	July 28, 2003
Height	6'0"
Weight	198 lb

Draft

College	Navy
Year	2026
Pick	Round: 7, Overall: 230
Team	PIT

Fantasy Value

Week 1 Projections
Carries	Yards	Touchdowns
1.48	5.64	0.0

You can see where those projections compare to other RBs in our Running Back Rankings.

Player News

Eli Heidenreich: Eli Heidenreich Looking Like RB Heading into Year 1

Former Navy star Eli Heidenreich is listed as an RB/WR with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but he was assigned a RB number (No. 29) and has been working with the RBs during individual drills and "overwhelmingly lined up" in the backfield during team drills during offseason workouts, according to Mike DeFabo of The Athletic. RBs coach Ramon Chinyoung Sr. called Heidenreich the "Swiss Navy Knife," but how much the Steelers open up their playbook in 2026 under new head coach Mike McCarthy might ultimately determine whether the 22-year-old will have a shot to make the 53-man roster for the regular season. How well he performs in pass protection, something Heidenreich wasn't asked to do much in college, could determine his fate early in his rookie season. DeFabo thinks Heidenreich will need to play his way onto Pittsburgh's roster during training camp, and it might take an injury for that to happen. Most likely, the former Midshipman will start his NFL career on the Steelers' practice squad.

Jun. 27, 2026 7:19 AM EST