Player Card

Fantasy Player Profile

  • AActive
  • Owner: FA
  •  
@BAL: #1 vs opposing TE - 7.95 FPA
Bye Week7Rank30% Owned48.7% Change-0.1WK 16 Pts3.90WK 17 Pts3.90
2019 Fantasy Stats
   PassingRushingReceivingRetMiscFumFantasy
WkOppResultsYdsTDIntYdsTDRecYdsTDTDFumTD2PTLostPts
1@NE
Loss, 3-33
-----240-----6.00
2SEA
Loss, 26-28
-----7382----22.80
3@SF
Loss, 20-24
-----110-----2.00
4CIN
Win, 27-3
------------0.00
5BAL
Loss, 23-26
-----334-----6.40
6@LAC
Win, 24-17
-----15-----1.50
7Bye  ------------0.00
8MIA
Win, 27-14
-----319-----4.90
9IND
Win, 26-24
-----5301----14.00
10LA
Win, 17-12
---2-311-----4.30
11@CLE
Loss, 7-21
-----333-----6.30
12@CIN
Win, 16-10
-----11-----1.10
13CLE
Win, 20-13
-----321-----5.10
14@ARI
Win, 23-17
-----13-----1.30
15BUF
Loss, 10-17
------------0.00
16@NYJ
Loss, 10-16
-----39-----3.90
17@BAL
Loss, 10-28
-----219-----3.90
2019 Fantasy Stats
  RushingReceivingFumFantasy
WkOppYdsTDYdsTDLostPts
1@NE,
L 3-33
--40--6.00
2SEA,
L 26-28
--382-22.80
3@SF,
L 20-24
--10--2.00
4CIN,
W 27-3
-----0.00
5BAL,
L 23-26
--34--6.40
6@LAC,
W 24-17
--5--1.50
7Bye-----0.00
8MIA,
W 27-14
--19--4.90
9IND,
W 26-24
--301-14.00
10LA,
W 17-12
2-11--4.30
11@CLE,
L 7-21
--33--6.30
12@CIN,
W 16-10
--1--1.10
13CLE,
W 20-13
--21--5.10
14@ARI,
W 23-17
--3--1.30
15BUF,
L 10-17
-----0.00
16@NYJ,
L 10-16
--9--3.90
17@BAL,
L 10-28
--19--3.90
  • 16.00
  • 222.80
  • 32.00
  • 4
  • 56.40
  • 61.50
  • 7
  • 84.90
  • 914.00
  • 104.30
  • 116.30
  • 121.10
  • 135.10
  • 141.30
  • 15
  • 163.90
  • 173.90
Fantasy Points
  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5
  6. 6
  7. 7 Bye
  8. 8
  9. 9
  10. 10
  11. 11
  12. 12
  13. 13
  14. 14
  15. 15
  16. 16
  17. 17

News

  • Restructures deal with Steelers

    McDonald has restructured his contract with the Steelers, Adam Caplan of SiriusXM Radio reports. As part of his new deal, he agreed to convert $5.5 million in base salary to signing bonus.

    Analysis: The Steelers may have opted to move on from McDonald had his deal not been restructured, but regardless, he will remain in Pittsburgh, and the team now has more cap space with which to pursue free agents.

    Published: Mon, Mar 16 at 1:34pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Another disappointing effort

    McDonald caught both his targets for 19 yards in Sunday's 28-10 loss to the Ravens.

    Analysis: McDonald's season -- like most of the Steelers -- was derailed once Ben Roethlisberger suffered a season-ending elbow injury in Week 2. McDonald finished the 2019 season with 273 yards and three touchdowns on 38 catches (55 targets) in 14 games. This was a disappointing season after racking up a career-high 610 yards in 2018. McDonald has two years remaining on his current contract.

    Published: Mon, Dec 30 at 9:38am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Lackluster effort in loss

    McDonald had three catches for nine yards in Pittsburgh's 16-10 loss to the Jets on Sunday.

    Analysis: McDonald was targeted six times but fell victim to the poor quarterback play that has plagued the Steelers all season. He'll close out the campaign going up against a Baltimore defense that yields the fewest fantasy points to opposing tight ends in both standard and PPR formats. McDonald had three catches for 34 yards against the Ravens earlier this season.

    Published: Sun, Dec 22 at 3:10pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Cleared to play

    McDonald (concussion) doesn't carry an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Jets.

    Analysis: With McDonald having cleared the NFL's concussion protocol, he's ready to return to action this weekend. While the tight end will be out there if you need him Week 16, he's been a hit-or-miss option through 12 games this season, and two of his three TDs came back Week 2.

    Published: Fri, Dec 20 at 10:59am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Returns to full practice

    McDonald (concussion) practiced fully Wednesday.

    Analysis: The activity is a step in the right direction for McDonald, but as of Wednesday, he remains in the NFL's concussion protocol. The tight end will thus look to gain clearance from an independent neurologist in the days leading up to Sunday's game against the Jets.

    Published: Wed, Dec 18 at 1:26pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Ruled out for Week 15

    McDonald (concussion) didn't practice Friday and has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Bills, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

    Analysis: The Steelers will be down two of their key pass catchers in Week 15 with McDonald slated to join wideout JuJu Smith-Schuster (knee) on the inactive list. Nick Vannett, who played 38 offensive snaps in relief of a concussed McDonald in the Week 14 win over Arizona, is the leading candidate to start at tight end against Buffalo.

    Published: Fri, Dec 13 at 11:56am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Upgrades to limited practice

    McDonald (concussion) was limited at practice Thursday.

    Analysis: That's a step in the right direction for McDonald, who missed practice Wednesday, but as of Thursday, he's still in the NFL's concussion protocol. We'll revisit the tight end's status Friday, once the Steelers release their final Week 15 injury report in advance of Sunday's contest against the Bills.

    Published: Thu, Dec 12 at 12:18pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Misses practice Wednesday

    McDonald (concussion) didn't practice Wednesday.

    Analysis: McDonald, who was forced out of Sunday's win over the Cardinals, remains in the NFL's concussion protocol at this stage of the week. If he's unable to gain clearance for this weekend's game against the Bills, Nick Vannett and Zach Gentry would be next in line for reps at tight end.

    Published: Wed, Dec 11 at 2:14pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Concussion confirmed

    McDonald suffered a concussion this past Sunday in Arizona, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

    Analysis: McDonald left the eventual victory in the second half to be evaluated for a head injury, the nature of which wasn't confirmed until Tuesday. With his entrance into the concussion protocol, he's now subject to an evaluation from an independent neurologist before getting clearance for game action. Nick Vannett and rookie Zach Gentry are next in line for TE reps for the Steelers.

    Published: Tue, Dec 10 at 9:57am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Possible concussion

    McDonald was forced out of Sunday's game against the Cardinals with a possible concussion, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

    Analysis: Prior to his exit from the game, McDonald hauled in his only target for three yards. Nick Vannett is next in line at the tight-end position in McDonald's absence.

    Published: Sun, Dec 8 at 3:29pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Three catches in win

    McDonald had three receptions for 21 yards in Pittsburgh's 20-13 win over Cleveland on Sunday.

    Analysis: This was yet another lackluster performance for McDonald, although he made the most of his limited opportunities. He now has four or fewer targets in seven games this season. Pittsburgh travels to Arizona in Week 14 and faces a defense that has yielded 13 touchdowns to opposing tight ends. McDonald could potentially take advantage, but he's scored only once in the past nine games and is a risky fantasy play.

    Published: Sun, Dec 1 at 6:51pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Worst game this season

    McDonald caught his only target for one yard in Pittsburgh's 16-10 win over Cincinnati on Sunday.

    Analysis: McDonald wasn't targeted until the second half after being targeted seven times in each of his last three games. The one yard was his lowest production in 32 games dating back to October 2017. McDonald had three receptions for 33 yards against Week 13 opponent Cleveland two weeks ago, but he offers little value as fantasy playoffs approach.

    Published: Sun, Nov 24 at 4:01pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Three receptions in loss

    McDonald caught three passes for 33 yards in Pittsburgh's 21-7 loss to Cleveland on Thursday night.

    Analysis: McDonald saw a team-high seven targets, but was unable to do much with them on a night the entire Pittsburgh offense struggled. Injuries to JuJu Smith-Schuster (concussion), Diontae Johnson (concussion) and James Conner (shoulder) -- all forced out of action and unable to return -- could dictate that McDonald has a significant role in the offense in Week 12 against the Bengals. Still, the tight end has scored just one touchdown in the last seven games and has yet to exceed 40 receiving yards in…read more

    Published: Thu, Nov 14 at 9:58pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Struggles in win

    McDonald caught three of seven targets for 11 yards in Sunday's 17-12 win over the Rams. He also gained two yards on one carry.

    Analysis: Mason Rudolph spread the ball around, with McDonald among five players receiving either six or seven targets. The tight end couldn't do much with his volume though, and he hasn't reached 50 yards receiving in 18 consecutive games dating back to last season. With only two weeks with bye considerations remaining on the NFL schedule, fantasy owners have little reason to roster McDonald in Week 11 against the Browns.

    Published: Mon, Nov 11 at 8:20am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Finds end zone vs. Colts

    McDonald caught five of seven targets for 30 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's 26-24 win over the Colts.

    Analysis: McDonald tied a season high with seven targets and posted his second-highest mark of the campaign with five receptions. He didn't generate many big plays, averaging just 6.0 yards per catch, but a third-quarter touchdown salvaged his day from a fantasy perspective. McDonald had totaled 24 receiving yards combined over his last two outings, so productivity should not be assumed during next Sunday's home matchup with the Rams.

    Published: Sun, Nov 3 at 3:27pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Another disappointing effort

    McDonald caught 3 of 4 targets for 19 yards in Monday's 27-14 win over the Dolphins.

    Analysis: The tight end has become an afterthought in the Pittsburgh offense, with McDonald averaging 24.3 yards on less than three receptions per game. Outside of his seven-catch, two-touchdown game against Seattle in Week 2, he has done little to merit lineup consideration this season. Fantasy owners shouldn't expect that to change in Week 9 against the Colts, as they've allowed opposing tight ends to score just one touchdown in their last four games.

    Published: Mon, Oct 28 at 9:55pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Suits up for one catch

    McDonald (shoulder) caught his lone target for five yards in Sunday's 24-17 win over the Chargers.

    Analysis: McDonald was dealing with a shoulder stinger during practice this week, but he was able to suit up and did not suffer a setback Sunday. The veteran tight end, however, turned in his lowest fantasy output this year due to run-heavy gameplan. Coach Mike Tomlin was clearly trying to protect rookie third-stringer, Devlin Hodges, which hurt his entire receiving unit outside of dump offs to James Conner. With an upcoming bye week, the Steelers could get Mason Rudolph (concussion) back in time for…read more

    Published: Sun, Oct 13 at 10:47pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Cleared to play Sunday night

    McDonald (shoulder) will play Sunday night against the Chargers, Chris Adamski of TribLive.com reports.

    Analysis: The tight end returned to a full practice Friday after logging back-to-back absences Wednesday and Thursday, as he managed a shoulder issue. While McDonald is slated to start and serve as the Steelers' top pass-catching option at his position, how he'll produce Week 6 is tough to predict, with Devlin Hodges starting at QB in place of Mason Rudolph (concussion).

    Published: Fri, Oct 11 at 1:34pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Sits out Thursday's practice

    McDonald (shoulder) didn't participate in Thursday's practice, Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

    Analysis: While no reports have surfaced suggesting McDonald suffered a setback coming out of the Week 5 loss to the Ravens, the balky shoulder may be an issue he'll have to manage throughout the season. A non-participant for the first two practices of Week 6, McDonald will still need to log at least a limited session Friday for fantasy managers to have some level of confidence he'll be ready to play Sunday against the Chargers.

    Published: Thu, Oct 10 at 2:41pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Misses practice Wednesday

    McDonald (shoulder) didn't practice Wednesday.

    Analysis: McDonald headed into Week 5's game against the Ravens listed as questionable, but he was a starter this past Sunday and played 35 of a possible 58 snaps on offense, en route to catching all three of his targets for 34 yards. We'll revisit the tight end's status Thursday to get a better read as to whether McDonald's Wednesday absence was maintenance-related or indicative of a setback.

    Published: Wed, Oct 9 at 2:20pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Quiet in return

    McDonald caught all three of his targets for 34 yards during Sunday's 26-23 loss to Baltimore.

    Analysis: After missing Week 4, McDonald returned Sunday to his familiar role as a steady underneath target. The Rice product has a wide frame for red-zone targets, illustrated in Week 2's two-score performance, but is otherwise not going to put up a ton of yards as he's averaging just 9.4 yards per catch this season. The Chargers await in Week 6 and it'll be tough sledding if Mason Rudolph (concussion) is out, despite Devlin Hodges' solid relief work.

    Published: Sun, Oct 6 at 4:26pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Cleared for Week 5

    McDonald (shoulder) is active for Sunday's game against the Ravens, Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

    Analysis: McDonald carried a questionable tag into the weekend, but he likely assuaged most of the concern the Steelers had about his health by putting in a full practice Friday. Before sitting out the Steelers' Monday night win over the Bengals in Week 4, McDonald tallied 10 receptions for 88 yards and two touchdowns in the preceding three games.

    Published: Sun, Oct 6 at 8:45am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Dons questionable tag for Week 5

    The Steelers list McDonald (shoulder) as questionable for Sunday's game against the Ravens, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

    Analysis: After sitting out the Steelers' win over the Bengals on Monday Night Football, McDonald didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday before returning to work Friday. Though he took every rep in the Steelers' final session of Week 5, it wasn't enough for McDonald to avoid an injury tag heading into Sunday. McDonald will be one of two key options in the passing game to enter the weekend with a designation, as top wideout JuJu Smith-Schuster (toe) also carries the questionable tag.

    Published: Fri, Oct 4 at 12:13pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Misses another practice

    McDonald (shoulder) remained sidelined at Thursday's practice, Dale Lolley of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.

    Analysis: The same applies to JuJu Smith-Schuster (toe) and James Conner (ankle), though according to Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, that key duo appears on track to be able to give it a go Sunday against the Ravens, while McDonald's outlook on that front isn't quite as bright.

    Published: Thu, Oct 3 at 1:48pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Absent from practice

    McDonald (shoulder) didn't practice Wednesday.

    Analysis: Coach Mike Tomlin previously noted that McDonald has a chance to play Sunday against the Ravens, but the tight end will need to get some practice reps in, either Thursday or Friday, for that to be a possibility. In McDonald's absence this past Monday against the Bengals, Nick Vannett served as the Steelers' top tight end.

    Published: Wed, Oct 2 at 1:35pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • May return Week 5

    Coach Mike Tomlin said McDonald (shoulder) has a chance to play Sunday against the Ravens, Missi Matthews of the Steelers' official site reports.

    Analysis: McDonald injured his shoulder Week 3 and hasn't practiced or played in the interim, so his listing on Wednesday's practice report will give a good indication of his potential to return this weekend. In his absence Monday versus the Bengals, newcomer Nick Vannett played 75 percent of the offensive snaps while rookie Zach Gentry came in at 42 percent of those plays.

    Published: Tue, Oct 1 at 9:26am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Not playing Monday

    McDonald (shoulder) is listed as inactive Monday versus the Bengals, Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

    Analysis: Last Wednesday, coach Mike Tomlin expressed optimism in McDonald's ability to play through a shoulder injury, but he proceeded to miss every Week 4 practice and was deemed "doubtful" for this contest. McDonald's trend arrived at the logical conclusion, which will allow newcomer Nick Vannett and Zach Gentry to man tight end.

    Published: Mon, Sep 30 at 3:46pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Downgraded to doubtful

    McDonald (shoulder) was downgraded to doubtful for Monday's contest against the Bengals.

    Analysis: McDonald's status has only gotten worse throughout the week, with a third consecutive absence at practice drawing a doubtful tag for Monday's prime-time affair. Newly acquired Nick Vannett figures to see a bump in playing time should McDonald ultimately miss the contest, while Zach Gentry could also see an uptick in snaps as the only other healthy tight end.

    Published: Sat, Sep 28 at 12:22pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Misses another practice

    McDonald (shoulder) remained sidelined for Friday's practice, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

    Analysis: Per Missi Matthews of the Steelers' official site, coach Mike Tomlin expressed optimism earlier this week about having McDonald available for Monday night's game against the Bengals, with a degree of added clarity on that front due upon the release of the team's final Week 4 injury report Saturday. If McDonald is limited or out Monday night, additional opportunities at tight end would be available for newcomer Nick Vannett and rookie Zach Gentry.

    Published: Fri, Sep 27 at 1:11pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Doesn't practice Thursday

    McDonald (shoulder) didn't participate in Thursday's practice, Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports.

    Analysis: Though McDonald is a spectator for the Steelers' first practice of Week 4, coach Mike Tomlin expressed optimism two days earlier that the tight end would be ready to play when Monday's game against the Bengals arrives. Tomlin did acknowledge the possibility that McDonald may be limited if active this week, however, making the 29-year-old somewhat of a risky fantasy option. Next up behind McDonald on the Steelers' depth chart are the newly acquired Nick Vannett and fifth-round rookie Zach Gentry.

    Published: Thu, Sep 26 at 12:17pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Could play Monday

    Coach Mike Tomlin said that he's "optimistic" about the availability of McDonald (shoulder) for Monday's game against the Bengals, Missi Matthews of the Steelers' official site reports.

    Analysis: The Steelers' acquisition of Nick Vannett on Tuesday looked like a bit of a red flag with regard to McDonald's Week 4 status, but with news that fellow tight end Xavier Grimble (undisclosed) is also banged up, it makes sense that the Steelers are adding depth at the position. Per Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, McDonald was sporting a sling Tuesday, so the tight end isn't a lock to be available Monday, in spite of Tomlin's initial optimism. Thursday's practice report should…read more

    Published: Wed, Sep 25 at 9:39am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Sporting sling on shoulder

    McDonald was spotted Tuesday with his injured shoulder in a sling, Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

    Analysis: McDonald played only 15 offensive snaps in the Week 3 loss to the 49ers before the shoulder injury ended his day early. The fact that he's donning a sling in addition to the Steelers' decision to add another tight end (Alize Mack) to their practice squad implies some level of concern that McDonald won't be able to play Monday night against the Bengals. Xavier Grimble is the next man up on the depth chart if McDonald can't go.

    Published: Tue, Sep 24 at 2:01pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Suffers shoulder injury

    McDonald exited Sunday's game against the 49ers after suffering a shoulder injury, Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com reports.

    Analysis: Prior to his exit, McDonald had caught one of his two targets for 10 yards. Next up for the team's tight end looks are Xavier Grimble and Zach Gentry.

    Published: Sun, Sep 22 at 2:20pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Good to go this week

    McDonald (back) practiced fully Thursday.

    Analysis: McDonald is thus on track to see his first action first back in San Francisco (on Sunday) since the 49ers traded him to the Steelers prior to the start of the 2017 campaign. McDonald is coming off a Week 2 effort that saw him haul in all seven of his targets for 38 yards and two TDs in a loss to the Seahawks. In the weeks ahead, he's in line to remain one of QB Mason Rudolph's top passing targets, along with Pittsburgh's top wideout, JuJu Smith-Schuster.

    Published: Thu, Sep 19 at 3:30pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Logs limited practice

    McDonald (back) was limited at practice Wednesday.

    Analysis: McDonald was on the field for 91 percent of the Steelers' snaps on offense in Week 2's loss to the Seahawks, en route to hauling in all seven of his targets for 38 yards and two TDs. His limited practice session puts McDonald on the list of players to track in advance of Sunday's game against the 49ers, but as long as the tight end is able to go this weekend, he should remain one of QB Mason Rudolph's top passing targets in Week 3.

    Published: Wed, Sep 18 at 2:47pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Scores twice in Week 2

    McDonald caught all seven of his targets for 38 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday's 28-26 loss to Seattle.

    Analysis: Both of McDonald's touchdowns came from backup quarterback Mason Rudolph, who played the entire second half after Ben Roethlisberger exited with an elbow injury. The first one came from eight yards out and the second was a three-yarder. McDonald's instant chemistry with Rudolph means the tight end's fantasy stock shouldn't be impacted too much regardless of the duration of Roethlisberger's absence.

    Published: Sun, Sep 15 at 2:23pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Held in check

    McDonald caught two of four targets for 40 yards in Pittsburgh's 33-3 loss to New England on Sunday.

    Analysis: McDonald did not see a pass until the final 92 seconds of the game, which was surprising since the Steelers were playing from behind and threw on 47 of their 60 plays from scrimmage. He could struggle again in Week 2 against a Seahawks defense that held opposing tight ends to six standard fantasy points per game last season -- the league's ninth-lowest mark.

    Published: Sun, Sep 8 at 11:23pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Stuck in committee

    Offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner said Wednesday that McDonald won't see a significant increase in playing time compared to a season ago, Dale Lolley of DKPittsburghSports.com reports. "[McDonald] still won't," Fichtner said. "He's never going to play the full game. That's never going to happen."

    Analysis: There was hope McDonald might handle a three-down role after the Steelers lost Jesse James to Detroit this offseason, but Fichtner apparently wants to keep Pittsburgh's top tight end in a timeshare, splitting snaps with Xavier Grimble and/or Zach Gentry. The plan seems to be influenced by McDonald's injury history as well as his reputation as a subpar blocker. McDonald should still be on the field for a majority of Pittsburgh's pass plays, with potential to be targeted on a higher percentage of…read more

    Published: Wed, Aug 21 at 1:38pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Quiet in win

    McDonald had one reception for five yards in the Steelers' 17-7 preseason win over the Chiefs on Saturday.

    Analysis: In his first action this preseason, McDonald played 15 snaps but drew just one target, which he hauled in only to fumble it out of bounds after a short gain. The Steelers have been taking a long look at their other tight ends -- including Xavier Grimble and Kevin Rader -- but McDonald is expected to be the starter when the regular season begins.

    Published: Sun, Aug 18 at 12:23pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Primed for breakout?

    McDonald was named by Ed Bouchette of The Athletic and Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com as one of the Steelers' top breakout candidates for 2019.

    Analysis: It's a popular prediction for good reason after the Steelers lost Antonio Brown and Jesse James during the offseason. The former's departure leaves far more targets behind, but it was the latter who often kept McDonald off the field last season, with the two tight ends both handling snap shares right around 50 percent. With the more blocking-oriented Xavier Grimble and fifth-round rookie Zach Gentry now representing the other options for snaps at tight end in 2019, McDonald stands a great…read more

    Published: Wed, Jul 24 at 12:51pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Headed for larger role

    McDonald likely will take on an expanded role in the passing game after the Steelers parted ways with wide receiver Antonio Brown and tight end Jesse James, ESPN.com's Jeremy Fowler reports.

    Analysis: The Steelers will add more bodies behind McDonald and Xavier Grimble at tight end, but they won't necessarily sign or draft a direct replacement for James, who accounted for 39 targets and 562 snaps (50.4 percent) in 2018. There's a real chance McDonald steps into an every-down role, with potential to emerge as the No. 2 receiving option in an offense that no longer needs to allocate 10-to-12 targets per game for Brown. The 28-year-old tight end has an impressive track record of efficiency with…read more

    Published: Thu, Mar 14 at 9:42am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Separates himself as lead TE

    McDonald caught three of his six targets for 39 yards during Sunday's 16-13 win over Cincinnati.

    Analysis: A healthy McDonald played 15 games in a season for the first time since his rookie year in 2013 and set personal bests for receptions (50), targets (72) and yards (610) while matching his season high of four touchdowns. He has established himself as Pittsburgh's top tight end, with Jesse James and Xavier Grimble combining for just 36 catches (on 47 targets). McDonald is the only rostered tight end whose contract isn't up -- he is signed for three more years -- and should remain atop the depth…read more

    Published: Tue, Jan 1 at 9:41am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Hauls in long reception

    McDonald caught one of his four targets for 49 yards in Sunday's 31-28 loss to the Saints.

    Analysis: McDonald wasn't efficient, but still managed to put together a passable performance thanks to a long third down reception to close the first quarter. He was also targeted in the end zone late in the third quarter, but was unable to haul in the score. McDonald continues to hold a fringe role in the Steelers' offense, commanding four or more targets in four of his past five games. Entering Week 17 with four touchdowns, he'll set a new single-season best touchdown mark if he can find the end zone…read more

    Published: Sun, Dec 23 at 8:55pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • First score in four games

    McDonald caught two of three targets for 13 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's 17-10 win over New England.

    Analysis: Ben Roethlisberger hit McDonald on Pittsburgh's opening drive for the score and almost connected for another, but the big tight end was unable to get both feet down. Although he saw his fewest targets in a game since Week 4, McDonald is still ahead of Jesse James on the depth chart. McDonald now has four touchdowns, matching his career high in 2016. Week 16 presents a difficult challenge as New Orleans has allowed tight ends to score just three touchdowns this season and allows the second…read more

    Published: Sun, Dec 16 at 10:00pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Modest production in defeat

    McDonald brought in all four of his targets for 37 yards in the Steelers' 24-21 loss to the Raiders on Sunday.

    Analysis: McDonald checked in behind JuJu Smith-Schuster and Jaylen Samuels in receptions on the afternoon, while his receiving yardage total was also a distant third behind the duo. The veteran tight end has snagged at least three receptions in every game going back to Week 6, but the 68 yards he garnered versus the Bengals in the first contest during that stretch serves as his high-water mark over that span. McDonald will look to improve his numbers against the Patriots in a critical Week 15 home…read more

    Published: Sun, Dec 9 at 10:00pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Struggles in loss

    McDonald caught four of seven targets for 28 yards during Sunday's 33-30 loss to the Chargers.

    Analysis: Although he appeared to be fully recovered from the hip injury he sustained in Week 13 against Denver, McDonald had his third consecutive game with under 30 yards receiving. He'll look to bounce back against Oakland -- which allows the most fantasy points to tight ends per game (12) -- in Week 14.

    Published: Sun, Dec 2 at 10:30pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Practices fully

    McDonald (hip) returned to a full practice Thursday.

    Analysis: McDonald is thus on track to suit up Sunday against the Chargers, and while the tight end hasn't been a volume play of late with 16 catches over his last five games, he has scored in two of his last three outings. He therefore profiles as a tight end option in deeper fantasy formats in Week 13.

    Published: Thu, Nov 29 at 1:19pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Dealing with hip issue

    McDonald (hip) didn't practice Wednesday.

    Analysis: McDonald's status for Sunday's game against the Chargers is thus worth monitoring in the coming days. If he's out, or limited at all this weekend, added targets could be available for fellow tight end Jesse James.

    Published: Wed, Nov 28 at 1:29pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Bothered by hip

    McDonald is dealing with a hip injury and may be limited at practice this week, Dale Lolley of DKPittsburghSports.com reports.

    Analysis: The injury didn't prevent him from handling his usual workload in Sunday's 24-17 loss to Denver, with McDonald catching three of five targets for 27 yards while logging 33 snaps on offense. One of the incomplete targets was a drop in the end zone, bringing an end to his two-game touchdown streak. Jesse James might be thrust into an every-down role if McDonald were to miss Sunday's game against the Chargers.

    Published: Tue, Nov 27 at 9:16am by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Drops would-be touchdown

    McDonald caught three of five targets, accounting for 27 yards during Sunday's 24-17 loss to Denver.

    Analysis: The sixth-year tight end dropped what was a sure touchdown, an easy flip from Ben Roethlisberger that McDonald just failed to look all the way into his hands. That's a painful fantasy moment for investors in the 28-year-old, as a touchdown could have salvaged a "start-worthy" performance and extended a streak of two straight games with a score. Week 13 presents a less-than-favorable matchup for McDonald in a Chargers defense that allows the 10th-fewest tight end receiving yards, while holding…read more

    Published: Sun, Nov 25 at 9:58pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Returns to action Sunday

    McDonald (hip) reentered Sunday's game at Denver.

    Analysis: McDonald will look to build upon three catches (on five targets) for 27 yards with an entire quarter remaining. His primary competitors for TE reps are Jesse James and Xavier Grimble.

    Published: Sun, Nov 25 at 3:50pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Leaves Sunday's game

    McDonald was forced out of Sunday's game against the Broncos with a hip injury.

    Analysis: Prior to his exit, McDonald had caught three of his five targets for 27 yards. In his absence, Jesse James and Xavier Grimble will handle the Steelers' tight end duties.

    Published: Sun, Nov 25 at 3:31pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Scores in second straight

    McDonald caught three of six targets for 27 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 20-16 win over Jacksonville.

    Analysis: McDonald scored the second of Pittsburgh's three unanswered touchdowns courtesy of an 11-yard grab. The tight end has gotten the ball over the goal line in two straight weeks, raising his season touchdown total to three. McDonald will look to extend that streak against the Broncos in Week 12.

    Published: Sun, Nov 18 at 4:22pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • First touchdown since Week 3

    McDonald caught all four of his targets for 44 yards and a touchdown during Thursday's 52-21 win over Carolina.

    Analysis: McDonald caught a 12-yard strike from Ben Roethlisberger in the back of the end zone for the touchdown, though it was uncertain if he had possession of the ball. Fortunately for those who went with McDonald in Week 10 fantasy lineups there was insufficient evidence to overturn the call. In Week 11, Pittsburgh faces Jacksonville, a team that defeated the Steelers twice last season, including the game that knocked them out of the playoffs. In that contest, McDonald was targeted 16 times and…read more

    Published: Thu, Nov 8 at 11:29pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
  • Another disappointing effort in Week 9 win

    McDonald caught three of six targets for 25 yards during Sunday's 23-16 win over Baltimore.

    Analysis: McDonald saw twice as many targets as teammate Jesse James but wasn't able to do much with them for his second-lowest yardage total in a game this season. He has not reached paydirt since Week 2 but faces the Panthers -- who have allowed the most touchdowns to opposing tight ends this season -- Thursday in Week 10.

    Published: Sun, Nov 4 at 3:30pm by Rotowire.com
    More news and analysis available atNFL.com
More news and analysis available at NFL.com

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Vance McDonald
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