Steelers TE Jonnu Smith Misses Practice After Donating Bl00d for Mother’s Heart Valve Surgery
Pittsburgh, PA — October 7, 2025, 2:22 PM EDT — The Pittsburgh Steelers’ practice report highlighted a significant absence today, but it wasn’t tied to strategy or playing time—it was a matter of family, sacrifice, and a selfless act beyond the gridiron. Team officials revealed that veteran tight end Jonnu Smith was granted leave after donating blood earlier this week to aid his mother’s heart valve replacement surgery, resulting in a Did Not Participate listing, a decision coaches deemed both personal and essential.
Smith, who joined the Steelers in June via a high-profile trade from the Miami Dolphins that also brought Jalen Ramsey to Pittsburgh in exchange for Minkah Fitzpatrick, has quickly established himself in offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s system—his third collaboration with the coach who optimizes his skills. Over the first four games of 2025, Smith has emerged as a dependable target for Aaron Rodgers, boasting a 92.3% catch rate (14 catches on 16 targets), ranking among the NFL’s elite tight ends, with a Week 1 touchdown setting the pace. Notably, 41% of his career receptions have come under Arthur Smith’s guidance.
Yet, his output this season pales compared to his 2024 breakout with Miami. Through four weeks, he has amassed just 71 receiving yards (17.8 YDS/G), hampered by competition for targets from Pat Freiermuth (7 catches, 65 yards) and DK Metcalf (135 yards, 2 TDs). Snap counts underscore his value, leading Steelers tight ends with 58% of snaps in Weeks 1-3, though a Week 4 hip injury slashed his role to 25%—his second physical setback this year following a preseason knee issue in August 2025.
His efficiency remains impressive, avoiding primary blocking duties in two-tight-end sets (where Darnell Washington steps in), instead thriving as a passing option for Rodgers. Fantasy managers, however, have scaled back expectations, with Smith at TE20 (13.1 fantasy points PPR, 7.9 PPG), projected as a TE2 by ESPN, unlikely to match his 2024 haul (884 yards, 88 catches, 18.6 PPG).
Head coach Mike Tomlin expressed unwavering support: “Jonnu’s absence today wasn’t about the game. His act for his mother speaks volumes beyond any statistic. He’s a professional and will return ready when the time comes.” For Steelers Nation, Smith’s gesture reinforces his worth as both a reliable offensive contributor and a son prioritizing family over football.
May You Like













