Pittsburgh Steelers could rely on a rookie to keep their winning ways alive
The Pittsburgh Steelers have counted on Matt Feiler to fill the role of right tackle as Marcus Gilbert’s knee heals. Now, they could turn to a rookie to keep their offensive line strong.
Last Sunday, Matt Feiler didn’t miss time during the Steelers’ 20-16 comeback win over the Jaguars. Despite a troubling pec issue, the right tackle stayed in the game down to Ben Roethlisberger’s last-second touchdown run.
But after Pittsburgh’s celebrating, Feiler was evaluated for the injury he’s been dealing with. On Wednesday, he was added to the team’s injury report. Although no further news has surfaced, the Steelers need to assume that they could be without both right tackles as they head to Denver.
In his place will be Chuk Okorafor, the team’s third-round pick out of Western Michigan. A big tackle with plenty of potential, but a ton of room for growth as a player. His timeline to build his talent may be cut short, though, as he could be the only tackle left for the Steelers to choose from.
Okorafor isn’t someone Pittsburgh wants to keep on the bench his whole career, but probably not a name they thought would be starting at any point this season. But if it’s time to put his name in the five men up front, he’ll take on the opportunity.
His job will be incredibly hard and one that could determine the success of Pittsburgh in Week 12. Denver is known for one thing – their outrageously good pass rush. Bradley Chubb and Von Miller are only two names that can appear in the nightmares of quarterbacks, but they’re two that are scarier than most.
The success Okorafor has against any of the Bronco’s edge rusher is going to determine most of Ben Roethlisberger’s role in Denver. No quarterback can make something happen when they spend the week on their back, meaning the rookie right tackle is going to have to pull some type of magic out of his hat and stop whoever is coming at him.
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If Pittsburgh wants to keep their winning streak alive, they’ll need a career day from someone making their first career start. Okorafor could be an unsung hero in the Steel City if he can pull off a strong performance against one of the league’s best pass rushes. Something that will go a long way in the outcome of this Week 12 showdown.