Pittsburgh Steelers rookie offensive tackle Max Iheanachor remains sidelined with an upper-body injury as the team opens its preseason slate against the Packers on Thursday, leaving Dylan Cook holding down the starting right tackle role during training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe.
As the Pittsburgh Steelers prepare for their preseason opener, head coach Mike McCarthy faces mounting roster decisions and lingering health concerns along the offensive line. Rookie offensive tackle Max Iheanachor, drafted in the first round out of Arizona State, dressed for practice but did not participate as he continues to recover from an upper-body injury suffered during training camp according to team observations reported by the Post-Gazette. McCarthy initially indicated the rookie would return to action, but there is currently no official timeline for his full return as noted in reporting from NBC Sports.
Right Tackle Battle and Dylan Cook’s Opportunity
Iheanachor’s continued absence has solidified Dylan Cook’s grip on the first-team right tackle duties. While the coaching staff views Iheanachor as a raw talent with upside, beat writer Mark Kaboly noted that the franchise’s win-now mandate leaves little room for a slow ramp-up period during discussions on 93.7 The Fan.
“My issue with Iheanachor, is there enough time? You gotta get off the bus ready to go. Because if you waste a week or you warm up to it, you just can’t go with him. You have to go with the guy that you know, which is Dylan Cook.”
Photo: yardbarker.com
Mark Kaboly, beat writer via yardbarker.com
McCarthy praised Cook’s consistency throughout camp, noting that the lineman is currently more advanced in pass protection than in run blocking, an adjustment common for players adapting to full-contact pads reported the Post-Gazette. Last season, the Steelers’ offensive front experienced mixed results, with center Zach Frazier standing out as a reliable anchor who allowed only one sack and 11 pressures across 1,085 snaps according to analysis published by Newsweek. By contrast, the left tackle position faced considerable pressure, with Broderick Jones and Dylan Cook surrendering multiple sacks while attempting to protect Aaron Rodgers noted Newsweek.
The absence of Iheanachor has opened additional practice reps for Broderick Jones, who is working his way back from December neck surgery. McCarthy acknowledged that Jones showed noticeable improvement during recent sessions highlighted the Post-Gazette.
Photo: Post Gazette
“I thought Broderick picked it up the last two practices. We had a conversation about his ability to play both left and right, but you’ve got to remember he’s coming back from a significant injury. He’s not 100% back. But I thought he definitely picked it up the last two practices.”
Mike McCarthy, Head Coach via Post Gazette
With ten offensive linemen under consideration for the final 53-man roster, the depth chart features established veterans alongside high draft picks like third-round selection Gennings Dunker. McCarthy noted that Dunker displays power at the line of scrimmage, leaning favorably toward run blocking during his initial camp evaluations according to the Post-Gazette.
Preseason Debuts and Veteran Absences at Saint Vincent College
As preparations continue in Latrobe, second-year quarterback Will Howard expressed excitement ahead of his anticipated NFL preseason debut after missing last year’s exhibition matches due to a right-hand injury sustained early in August reported the Post-Gazette.
Max Iheanachor Impressing at Steelers Training Camp | Might End Up Being a Day 1 Starter
“I’m so fired up. I can’t wait for the game. I haven’t played in over a year in live game reps. I’ve been champing at the bit to get out there with the guys. I think that’s one of the biggest measuring tapes — the preseason reps. Getting out here in a live setting is different. I still haven’t seen it. Everyone says preseason isn’t real football, but I’m going to treat it as such.”
Will Howard, Quarterback via Post Gazette
Meanwhile, coaching staff adjustments on Monday included giving veteran rest days to outside linebacker T.J. Watt, defensive lineman Cam Heyward, and wide receivers DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr., allowing reserve players valuable snaps with the first-team offense before weather prompted a move to the indoor facility according to the Post-Gazette.
