Steelers Receive Good News About Injured Rookie Tight End

The Pittsburgh Steelers got some unexpected good news about their recently injured rookie tight end.

The Pittsburgh Steelers feared rookie tight end DJ Thomas-Jones suffered a torn Achilles during the latest training camp practice. However, that is no longer believed to be the case.

According to Mike DeFabo of The Athletic, further testing revealed Thomas-Jones does not have a torn Achilles, as some have speculated, and it will not be season-ending injury.

Per source, further testing revealed DJ Thomas-Jones does NOT have a torn Achilles, as some have speculated.

While Mike Tomlin said yesterday that the injury is “significant,” it is not believed to be season-ending for the versatile UDFA. https://t.co/y0DOQQjIZi

— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) July 28, 2025

It is still unclear how long Thomas-Jones will be sidelined. He was injured during a team period of Sunday’s practice and examined by team trainers on the sideline before being taken from the practice field in the front seat of a cart.

Head coach Mike Tomlin also said after practice that Thomas-Jones’ injury was significant. But it’s good news, nonetheless, for the rookie who was looking to make a roster spot.

An undrafted rookie out of South Alabama, Thomas-Jones racked up 73 catches for 653 yards and 12 touchdowns from 2022-24 and brings versatility having also played H-back and on special teams.

In the meantime, the Steelers have plenty of options at tight end, with Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith and Darnell Washington all angling for playing time.

However, their depth options are now even more limited after Donald Parham suffered a season-ending Achilles tear early in OTA’s.

Beyond Connor Heyward, the last tight end on the roster is undrafted rookie JJ Galbreath out of South Dakota. That may force Pittsburgh to consider working out some free agents at the suddenly thin position.

Veteran Noah Fant, who was recently released by the Seattle Seahawks, headlines the group of available tight ends on the open market.

This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Steelers Receive Good News About Injured Rookie Tight End