Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith caught three of his six targets for 28 yards and a touchdown in Thursday night's 33-31 loss at Cincinnati. It was Smith's first touchdown since Week 1 and also tied for the most targets in a game since then. Smith didn't have the flashiest night among Pittsburgh tight ends, with Pat Freiermuth exploding for 111 yards and two touchdowns on five catches. They both took advantage of a leaky Bengals defense, and one that struggled against tight ends. Still, the weekly volume isn't high for Smith, and he's reliant on finding the end zone to return fantasy value.
Oct 17, 2025 9:35 AM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith has seen underwhelming utilization through his first five games with the team but will look to make a bigger impact against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 7. The Bengals have given up the second-most targets and the most fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends this year, leaving the door open for Smith to produce on Thursday night. Although he played behind Darnell Washington in Week 6, it was encouraging to see his snap share rebound to nearly 70% after logging just 25% in his previous game. With wide receiver Calvin Austin III (shoulder) sidelined again, Smith could earn a handful of looks from Aaron Rodgers. While he can't be started with any real confidence, the 30-year-old offers some upside to desperate fantasy managers this week.
Oct 15, 2025 9:43 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith logged just three catches for 18 yards on four targets in a 23-9 win over the Cleveland Browns. Coming out of a Week 5 bye, it was fair to wonder if Pittsburgh would try to get Smith more involved in its offense after acquiring him over the summer. Unfortunately, Smith once again played behind Darnell Washington, who has proven to be an effective run blocker. If Smith is going to turn things around, Thursday night's matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals is the ideal spot for him to do so. The Bengals have surrendered the most fantasy points per game to tight ends this season. Still, given his lack of opportunities recently, Smith can only be viewed as a dart-throw TE2.
Oct 14, 2025 9:19 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith turned in three straight games with fewer than five fantasy points before the team's Week 5 bye and will hope to be more involved in a Week 6 bout with the Cleveland Browns. Though the Browns have allowed the 11th-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends, Smith could be an important piece of Pittsburgh's passing attack with wide receiver Calvin Austin III (knee) inactive. That said, head coach Mike Tomlin hinted earlier this week at continued usage of fellow tight end Darnell Washington, who out-snapped both Smith and Pat Freiermuth in Week 4. It wouldn't be shocking to see any of the three have a productive outing on Sunday, but fantasy managers can't currently depend on Smith in starting lineups.
Oct 11, 2025 12:04 AM EST
After a 2024 campaign in which he set career highs as a receiver, Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith has been surprisingly quiet to start 2025. Smith's limited participation in practice leading up to the Week 4 win over the Minnesota Vikings could explain his minimal involvement in that game, but his lack of utilization through the first three weeks was equally puzzling. Ideally, Pittsburgh used its Week 5 bye to find ways to get Smith going. This week, the 30-year-old will take on the division-rival Cleveland Browns, who have been tough on tight ends this year. His usage, alongside that of Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington, will be worth monitoring, but Smith remains off the fantasy radar in most formats.
Oct 7, 2025 7:07 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith has been quiet for fantasy purposes since his debut with the team in which he earned six targets and scored a touchdown. Still, he played on more than 50% of offensive snaps in each of his first three games, with a season-high 83% snap share in Week 3. In Week 4, Smith was relegated to just 13 snaps, 25% of the Steelers' total, while Darnell Washington, Connor Heyward, and Pat Freiermuth all played ahead of him. Smith was limited in practice last week with a hip injury, which could explain his limited usage in Sunday's win against the Minnesota Vikings in Dublin, Ireland. He will likely see more playing time when the Steelers return from a Week 5 bye, but it will be difficult to trust Smith if Washington continues to have a role in the offense after playing 48-of-53 snaps last week. The 30-year-old can be dropped or left on waivers in most redraft formats.
Sep 30, 2025 3:53 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith (hip) is questionable for Sunday's Week 4 matchup with the Vikings, to be played in Dublin, Ireland. Smith played a full allotment of snaps in the team's Week 3 win over the Patriots, but popped up on the injury report this week. After missing Wednesday's practice, he was a limited participant on Thursday and Friday, signaling that things are trending in the right direction. If Smith is unable to play on Sunday, Pat Freiermuth becomes an interesting fantasy option against a Vikings defense that has been the third most favorable matchup for tight ends through three weeks. Outside of the heavy usage of running back Jaylen Warren, the Steelers' passing attack has looked uninspired since Aaron Rodgers' surprise four-touchdown opener. Should Smith play, he deserves a look by fantasy managers based on the matchup alone, but there are likely better options available.
Sep 26, 2025 2:52 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith was quiet again this past week, logging just three receptions for 23 yards in a 21-14 victory over the New England Patriots. While his fantasy managers hoped for much more on the stat sheet, Smith did play a season-high 83% of snaps as the Steelers deployed a heavy dose of 12-personnel. The play-calling can likely be attributed to the fact that Pittsburgh never trailed on Sunday, so it's possible the team reverts to running more three-wide-receiver sets this week. With a difficult matchup against the Minnesota Vikings coming before a Week 5 bye, Smith doesn't need to be rostered in most redraft formats.
Sep 23, 2025 4:34 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith has been inconsistent for fantasy purposes to start the season, but could be primed to deliver against the New England Patriots in Week 3. On paper, New England looks like a middle-of-the-pack matchup for fantasy tight ends, surrendering a big performance to Brock Bowers in Week 1 before facing the Miami Dolphins, who didn't target the position in Week 2. The Patriots have, however, allowed the most passing yards in the NFL. Despite modest yardage totals so far, Smith has operated as one of Pittsburgh's top pass-catchers behind DK Metcalf. Assuming this contest stays competitive throughout, the 30-year-old should see enough volume to provide a floor in PPR formats, but his ceiling remains capped. Fantasy managers can treat Smith as a TE2 that can be started in a pinch on Sunday.
Sep 19, 2025 9:19 PM EST
Through two weeks of the 2025 campaign, Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith has caught nine passes for 42 yards and a touchdown on 10 targets. While the production hasn't popped for fantasy yet, Smith's usage in his first year as a Steeler is encouraging. In addition to besting teammate Pat Freiermuth in snaps and routes run, Smith is averaging three designed opportunities per game, the most of any tight end in the NFL. Pittsburgh's offense still needs to find its rhythm before Smith can be trusted every week, but he's firmly on the streaming radar. The ninth-year pro carries some PPR upside in Week 3 against the New England Patriots.
Sep 16, 2025 7:15 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith led the team in designed targets in Week 1, per Fantasy Points Data. Despite an inefficient outing, he salvaged his day by scoring on an end-around from inside the five-yard line. Smith drew four designed looks, ranking ahead of notable receivers such as Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Zay Flowers, and Travis Hunter. The Steelers acquired Smith this offseason, reuniting him with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, who helped rejuvenate his career during their time together in Atlanta. In Week 2, Smith draws a matchup with Seattle -- a defense that finished middle of the pack against tight ends in 2024. With Pat Freiermuth still in the mix, Smith's role remains capped, making him difficult to trust outside of deeper leagues. He's more of a touchdown-dependent flier than a reliable fantasy starter heading into Pittsburgh's home opener.
Sep 12, 2025 9:57 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith was a mixed bag in his debut with the team in the wild 34-32 win over the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sunday. Smith led the team with five receptions on six targets and found the end zone for the first time in 2025, but he accounted for only 15 receiving yards and averaged a paltry three yards per reception. The 30-year-old played in 66 percent of the offensive snaps compared to 50% for fellow TE Pat Freiermuth, who caught all three of his targets for 28 yards. It's good news that quarterback Aaron Rodgers looked Smith's way six times (tied for second on the team), but he's certainly not going to be anywhere close to his 88-884-8 line in a breakout season with Miami last year. As long as Freiermuth stays healthy, fantasy managers should consider Smith a touchdown-dependent TE2.
Sep 8, 2025 3:32 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith is set to debut for the team on the road against the New York Jets. Smith broke out in 2024, earning over 100 targets for the first time in his career while scoring eight touchdowns. Now reunited with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, he should see plenty of opportunities despite sharing the position with Pat Freiermuth. This matchup, however, doesn't necessarily inspire confidence that Smith's campaign will get off to a hot start. New York limited tight ends to the eighth-fewest fantasy points last season, and Sunday's contest is expected to be low-scoring. Smith can be started in a pinch, but he shouldn't be viewed as a top-12 option this week.
Sep 5, 2025 7:59 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith is reunited with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith for a third time, a partnership that has historically produced fantasy-relevant results. Smith said of his OC: "We've had a lot of success together. He will continue to move that needle, bring the best out of you, and demand the best from you. It's why we get along so well." Last year with the Miami Dolphins, Smith posted the best season of his career, with 88 catches for 884 yards and eight touchdowns. However, in his previous stint with Arthur Smith in Atlanta, he caught 50 passes for 582 yards and three touchdowns, which was his prior best. While the Steelers have other talented pass-catchers, including tight end Pat Freiermuth, Smith's offense has historically used multiple tight-end formations more than any other team. RotoBaller currently ranks the 30-year-old as a mid-range TE2 (ranked TE20) with potential for increased production due to his familiarity with the system. Smith's history with the offense and a strong preseason make him a solid late-round tight end target and a potential starter if needed.
Aug 31, 2025 3:42 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith (knee) is back in uniform at practice on Saturday after missing the entire preseason with a knee injury, according to Mike DeFabo of The Athletic. This will be Smith's first practice since tweaking his knee on Aug. 5. The 30-year-old should be on track to play in the Week 1 regular-season opener on Sunday, Sept. 7, against the New York Jets. However, after a career year in 2024 with the Miami Dolphins, Smith's fantasy value took a huge hit after being traded to Pittsburgh in the offseason. He should still be involved in offenive coordinator Arthur Smith's system, but he's expected to take a back seat to incumbent Pat Friermuth. In single-TE fantasy formats, managers can avoid Smith on draft day. Outside of his 88-884-8 line last year, Smith's best season was a 50-582-3 line the year prior in Atlanta.
Aug 23, 2025 1:37 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said that wide receiver Calvin Austin III (abdomen) and tight end Jonnu Smith (knee) are considered day-to-day. "Hopefully they're back sooner rather than later," Tomlin said. The head coach categorized Smith's injury as knee soreness, while Austin is working through a minor abdominal issue. It remains to be seen if either play will suit up for the second preseason game on Saturday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but even if they don't, they should be ready for the Week 1 regular-season opener in early September. Austin has the inside track to be the WR2 behind DK Metcalf this year, but that role is still unlikely to give the 26-year-old enough volume to make him an every-week starter in fantasy. Meanwhile, Smith lost most of his fantasy appeal in the offseason trade from Miami to Pittsburgh.
Aug 12, 2025 6:05 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith (knee) was back on the practice field at training camp on Wednesday after missing the very end of practice on Tuesday, according to Alan Saunders of PGH Steelers Now. The Steelers weren't in pads on Wednesday, but it's still a good sign that Smith's knee injury isn't very serious. The 29-year-old should be just fine for the start of the regular season in early September, but it remains to be seen if he'll play in the first preseason game this Saturday versus the Jacksonville Jaguars. Pretty much all of the fantasy excitement around Smith went away after he was traded from the Miami Dolphins to the Steelers this offseason. He broke out in 2024 with an 88-884-8 line in 17 games (six starts) but will now most likely be the second pass-catching TE in Pittsburgh behind Pat Freiermuth.
Aug 6, 2025 6:16 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith (knee) left Tuesday's training camp practice early with knee soreness, but head coach Mike Tomlin said it doesn't seem like a serious injury. Smith himself downplayed his injury when talking to reporters, so it's likely the 29-year-old will be back on the field in a few days. He had a career year in 2024 with the Miami Dolphins and made his first Pro Bowl appearance while catching 88 of his 111 targets for 884 yards and eight touchdowns in 17 games (six starts). Smith was the beneficiary of Miami's disappointing dink-and-dunk offense a year ago, and fantasy managers reaped the benefits. A year later after his trade from Miami to Pittsburgh, Smith is going to go undrafted in standard-sized 12-team leagues as he attempts to split playing time with Pat Freiermuth. Freiermuth is expected to be the team's primary pass-catching option at TE.
Aug 5, 2025 6:27 PM EST
Brooke Pryor of ESPN reports that Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith (undisclosed) was working in individual periods at training camp on Friday but did not work with the position group for the second wave of individual periods, which is basically the same participation level that he had on Thursday. Head coach Mike Tomlin said that Smith is day-to-day with an unspecified injury that doesn't sound very serious. The 29-year-old had a career year in 2024 with the Miami Dolphins, catching 88 passes on 111 targets for 884 yards and eight touchdowns in 17 games (six starts), and now he'll reunite with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, who he's played for in Tennessee and Atlanta. Fantasy managers are going to need to downgrade Jonnu in fantasy this year, though, as he will probably struggle to find weekly value while sharing targets with Pat Freiermuth.
Jul 25, 2025 5:50 PM EST
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith (undisclosed) is considered day-to-day with an unspecified injury, according to head coach Mike Tomlin. The 2024 Pro Bowler participated in individual drills on Thursday but was held out of team drills. Given his limited practice participation, this should not be viewed with much concern by fantasy managers. Smith was traded to the Steelers from the Miami Dolphins for a late-round pick swap following the most productive season of his career. Smith tallied career highs in receptions (88), receiving yards (884), and touchdowns (eight) in 17 games a season ago. Now in Pittsburgh and back with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, the 29-year-old is unlikely to replicate his fantasy TE1 season in 2025. The Steelers project to have a low-volume passing offense led by an aging Aaron Rodgers.
Jul 24, 2025 4:31 PM EST