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

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.

Eagles Head Coach Announces A.J. Brown To Start On The Bench For Standout Rookie After Poor Performance vs. Broncos
  Philadelphia, PA — the Philadelphia Eagles’ head coach confirmed that A.J. Brown will start on the bench in Week 6 against the New York Giants, with the boundary starting spot going to rookie WR Taylor Morin—an undrafted signing out of Wake Forest who flashed through rookie camp and the preseason. The decision follows an underwhelming offensive showing against the Denver Broncos, where several snaps highlighted the unit being out of sync between Brown and Jalen Hurts. On a midfield option route, Hurts read Cover-2 and waited for an inside break into the soft spot, while Brown maintained a vertical stem and widened to the boundary to stretch the corner. The ball fell into empty space and the drive stalled. On a separate red-zone snap, a pre-snap hot-route signal wasn’t locked identically by the pair, resulting in a hurried throw that was broken up. The staff treated it as a reminder about route-depth precision, timing, and pre-snap communication—the micro-details that underpin the Eagles’ offense when January football arrives. Starting Morin is part of a plan to re-establish rhythm: the early script is expected to emphasize horizontal spacing, short choice/option concepts, and over routes off play-action to probe the Giants’ responses. Morin—who has shown strong hands in tight windows and clean timing in the preseason—should give the call sheet a steadier platform, while Brown will be “activated” in high-leverage downs such as 3rd-and-medium, two-minute, and red zone to maximize his body control, early separation, and the coverage gravity that can force New York to roll coverage. Facing the tough call, Brown kept his response brief but competitive:“I can’t accept letting a kid take my spot, but I respect his decision. Let’s see what we’re saying after the game. I’ll practice and wait for my chance. When the ball is in the air, everyone will know who I am.” Operationally, the staff is expected to streamline the call sheet between Hurts and Brown: standardize option-route depths, clearly flag hot signals, and increase game-speed reps in 7-on-7 and team periods so both are “seeing it the same and triggering the same.” Handing the start to Morin also resets the locker-room standard: every role is earned by tape and daily detail—even for a star of Brown’s caliber. If Brown converts the message into cleaner stems and precise landmarks—catching the ball at the spot and on time—the Eagles anticipate early returns: fewer dead drives, better red-zone execution when back-shoulder throws and choice routes are run “in the same language,” and an offense that regains tempo before taking on Big Blue. With Taylor Morin in the opening script, Philadelphia hopes the fresh piece is enough to jump-start the attack from the first series.