### Steelers' Donald Parham Jr. Sidelined for 2025 Season Due to Torn Achilles

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Donald Parham Jr. has been ruled out for the entirety of the 2025 season following a torn Achilles sustained during the team's OTA practice on Tuesday. The devastating news was confirmed by ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Parham's sudden injury has led the Steelers to revisit trade talks with the Miami Dolphins for tight end Jonnu Smith, according to insider information shared by Schefter earlier in the day. This move highlights the immediate need to fill the void left by Parham's departure.

Initially signed by the Steelers at the start of the offseason, Parham brought an imposing presence at 6'8", 240 pounds. The 27-year-old spent the 2024 season on the Denver Broncos' practice squad after a successful four-year stint with the Los Angeles Chargers. During his time with the Chargers, Parham logged 67 receptions, 764 yards, and 11 touchdowns. His peak performance came in 2023, when he recorded 27 catches for 285 yards and scored four touchdowns.

As a competitor for a backup tight end spot on the Steelers' roster, Parham's injury nearly guarantees he will be placed on injured reserve. Once placed there, under standard NFL rules, he will not be eligible to return this season. It is likely that Parham's contract includes a split salary clause, which would reduce his pay while on IR. According to Steelers Depot, this could bring his cap charge down to $540,000.

With Parham sidelined, the Steelers' tight end rotation now features starters Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington. Additionally, Connor Heyward, along with undrafted free agents JJ Galbreath and DJ Thomas-Jones, remain on the roster. Heyward's chances of securing a spot have inadvertently increased due to Parham's misfortune.

Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith favors using multiple tight end sets, ranking second in the league last year in 13 personnel (three tight ends) usage. This tendency resulted in the Steelers keeping four tight ends on their initial 53-man roster last season.

In the wake of Parham's injury, the Steelers now have two available roster spots. The first vacancy was created last Friday when the team waived rookie defensive lineman Blake Mangelson. With the international roster exemption for EDGE Julius Welschof, the Steelers can carry up to 91 players until final roster cutdowns in late August.