The start of the 2025 NFL season is months away, but the Pittsburgh Steelers have already lost one player.
As reported by Adam Schefter of ESPN, tight end Donald Parham Jr. went down with a torn Achilles during OTAs.
Parham, who was acquired this offseason, is expected to miss the entire campaign.
Sources: Steelers tight end Donald Parham Jr. suffered a torn Achilles during today’s OTAs that now is likely to end his 2025 season. A brutal injury. https://t.co/fyipieiizU pic.twitter.com/Mxyxkqh8id
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 3, 2025
Parham spent some of last season on the Denver Broncos’ practice squad.
He entered the league in 2019 as an undrafted free agent with the Detroit Lions before joining the Washington Commanders.
The 27-year-old spent the 2020 season in the XFL with the Arlington Renegades, where he showcased his pass-catching skills.
Following some strong performances, the Los Angeles Chargers signed him in April 2020.
He closed out that season on injured reserve and was released shortly after.
Parham has 67 receptions for 764 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns in 47 NFL games.
As things stand, the Steelers have five tight ends on their roster.
Pat Freiermuth will handle the bulk of the workload, with JJ Galbreath, Darnell Washington and Connor Heyward behind him on the depth chart.
The Steelers were linked to Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith earlier in the offseason, and given this turn of events, they might revisit that idea.
It’s always tough to lose players at any point, but doing so before the season even starts is troubling.
