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Steelers New Star Did Not Participate Today After Donating Bl00d to Save His Mother’s Heart Valve Surgery

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Versatile TE Jonnu Smith Going the 'Extra Mile' for Steelers - Yahoo Sports

Pittsburgh, PA – The Steelers’ practice report came with a notable absence today, but the reason had nothing to do with game planning or snap counts. It was about family, sacrifice, and a gesture that transcends football.

According to team officials, a veteran tight end was excused after donating blood earlier this week to support his mother during a heart valve replacement surgery. He was listed as

Did Not Participate, with coaches emphasizing the decision was both personal and necessary.

That player is Jonnu Smith, acquired in June from the Miami Dolphins in the blockbuster trade that also sent Jalen Ramsey to Pittsburgh in exchange for Minkah Fitzpatrick. Smith has wasted little time carving out a role in Arthur Smith’s offense, marking the third stop where he’s played under the offensive coordinator who knows how to maximize his skill set.

Through the first four games of 2025, Smith has proven to be a reliable option for Aaron Rodgers. He owns a 92.3% catch rate (14 receptions on 16 targets) — one of the best among NFL tight ends — and scored a touchdown in Week 1 to set the tone. His chemistry with Arthur Smith is evident, as 41% of his career receptions have come under the OC’s schemes.

Statistically, his production has dipped compared to last season’s breakout with Miami. He has just 71 receiving yards (17.8 YDS/G) through four weeks, limited in part by competition for targets with Pat Freiermuth (7 receptions, 65 yards) and DK Metcalf (135 yards, 2 TDs).

Snap counts reflect his importance, though. He has led Steelers tight ends in playing time with an average of 58% of snaps through Weeks 1–3, before a hip injury in Week 4 reduced his role to 25%. It was the second physical setback this year, after a knee issue in preseason August 2025.

Still, his efficiency is undeniable. He hasn’t been asked to serve as a primary blocker in 2-TE sets, where Darnell Washington takes on that responsibility, but in passing situations he remains a trusted target for Rodgers.

Fantasy managers have tempered expectations. With just 13.1 fantasy points (PPR, 7.9 PPG), Smith currently ranks TE20 — a risky start outside of deep leagues. ESPN projects him as a TE2 moving forward, unlikely to replicate his 2024 explosion (884 yards, 88 catches, 18.6 PPG to finish the year).

Head coach Mike Tomlin voiced full support: “Jonnu’s absence today wasn’t about football. What he did for his mother speaks louder than any stat line. He’s a pro, and when he’s back on the field, he’ll be ready.”

 

For Steelers fans, Smith has already shown his value as both a steady offensive contributor and as a son willing to put family above the game. His story this week proves his character is as strong as his catch rate.

Chiefs Fan-Favourite WR Faces Family Tragedy After Week 5 Game as Military-Trained Skydiving Instructor Dies in Nashville
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice is mourning a devastating personal loss following the team’s Week 5 matchup, as his cousin Justin Fuller, a respected military-trained skydiving instructor, died in a tragic tandem jump accident near Nashville. Fuller, 35, was fatally injured after becoming separated from his parachute harness mid-air during a jump organized by Go Skydive Nashville. His student survived after landing in a tree with the parachute deployed and was later rescued by firefighters. Police confirmed Fuller’s body was recovered in a wooded area off Ashland City Highway. The Nashville Fire Department called it “one of the most complex high-angle rescues in recent years,” commending its personnel for the effort. Justin Fuller, known by the nickname "Spidey," died after a tandem skydiving jump went wrong on Oct. 4, 2025, near Nashville, Tennessee.  (Facebook/Justin Fuller Spidey ) Fuller, known affectionately as “Spidey,” had completed more than 5,000 jumps and trained U.S. military personnel in advanced aerial maneuvers. Friends described him as “fearless, focused, and committed to lifting others higher — both in life and in the air.” Rice, who grew up admiring his cousin’s discipline and sense of purpose, has long credited that example with shaping his mental toughness and leadership on the field. A relative told local media, “Justin taught Rashee that strength isn’t being unbreakable — it’s standing firm when life hits hardest. That’s exactly how Rashee lives and plays today.” As a featured target in the Chiefs’ offense, Rice has earned complete trust for his short-to-intermediate separation, yards-after-catch power (YAC), and chemistry with quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Coaches describe him as “calm, focused, and mature beyond his years,” a disciplined route-runner who finds tight windows in the red zone. Through Week 5 of the 2025 season, Rice has no registered game statistics as he serves a league-issued six-game suspension to start the regular season; major stat services list no 2025 game logs to date.  The Kansas City Chiefs have provided time and private support for Rice and his family, ensuring he can grieve without team-related obligations. Teammates have stood beside him, honoring both his resilience and his family’s tradition of service. The FAA is investigating the incident, while messages commemorating “Spidey” continue to spread nationwide.“He taught others to fly — now he flies higher than all of us,” one tribute read. Rice kept his public remarks brief before leaving in the embrace of teammates:“Spidey always told me not to fear the height — only the moment you forget to look down and pull someone else up with you. This week, I’m playing for him.”