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Steelers' Pat Freiermuth Out After Suffering Concussion vs. Titans

Joseph Zucker@@JosephZuckerX.com LogoFeatured Columnist IVDecember 19, 2021

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) in action during the second half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021 in Minneapolis. Minnesota won 36-28. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
AP Photo/Stacy Bengs

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth exited Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans after suffering a concussion.

Freiermuth was the team's leading receiver (four receptions, 37 yards) prior to leaving. This is his second concussion of the season after he was forced out of Pittsburgh's 41-10 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 12.

Head coach Mike Tomlin confirmed after a 19-13 win that Freiermuth entered the concussion protocol.

In the third quarter, the rookie pass-catcher hauled in a five-yard reception when he absorbed a hit to the head from Titans cornerback Kristian Fulton. He remained on his feet before getting tackled by linebacker Zach Cunningham.

The Steelers medical staff guided Freiermuth to the locker room rather than escort him to the medical tent on the sideline for further evaluation.

The second-round pick hasn't enjoyed a prolific season. He had 45 catches for 385 yards and seven touchdowns entering Sunday. Especially of late, though, he became a steady red-zone target for Ben Roethlisberger.

Aditi Kinkhabwala @AKinkhabwala

<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Steelers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Steelers</a> rookie TE Pat Freiermuth is officially ruled out. He's been so money in the red zone (six TDs in the last seven weeks) and is a guy Ben Roethlisberger trusts in all situations.

For the Steelers, losing Freiermuth exacerbates what was already a tough situation at tight end.

Pittsburgh placed Eric Ebron on injured reserve on Nov. 27 because of a knee injury. Kevin Rader was also unavailable Sunday due to a hip problem.