The Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive line hasn't performed as fans hoped it would this preseason, from the starting unit all the way down to the bottom of the roster. The offensive tackles have been a particular disappointment, with projected starters Troy Fautanu and Dylan Cook both struggling at times over the first two preseason games.
Then there is Broderick Jones, who has been surprisingly healthy since training camp kicked off but has struggled mightily to keep his quarterbacks clean. Even when he played into the fourth quarter of the Steelers' 17-0 loss to the Jets last week, he struggled to block third-and-fourth-string pass rushers.
Luckily for Pittsburgh, they may have a potential solution to their tackle concerns who is finally ready to make his debut. 2026 first-round pick Max Iheanachor has missed the Steelers' first two preseason games due to injury, but he is expected to be ready to go for their final one this week against the Bills.
Even with just a few weeks to go before the regular season, could Iheanachor show enough in his debut to challenge for a starting role? I think it's possible.
Max Iheanachor's chances to be the Pittsburgh Steelers starting RT aren't over yet
Fautanu is locked in as the Steelers' starting left tackle, but Cook's spot at right tackle isn't (or at least shouldn't be) as safe. He has had a solid summer after his surprising performance filling in for Jones at LT late last season, but he is 28 years old with just five regular season games of experience. His upside is essentially non-existent, and he would have to maintain his level of play from last year to justify keeping Iheanachor on the bench.
Even after missing most of the last few weeks with his injury, the talent gap between Iheanachor and Cook may be big enough for one strong preseason performance to flip this battle on its head. The Arizona State product was already earning reps with the first-team prior to his injury, and his ceiling in pass protection is far higher thanks to his elite athleticism.
If he can show that he is ready to go both mentally and physically against the Bills following his lengthy absence, the only thing that should keep him off the field is the coaching staff's comfort level with his lack of reps. The added element of having 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers under center could also complicate things, especially after how well he saw Cook play firsthand last season.
Still, the best thing for the Steelers in 2026 and beyond is for Iheanachor to win the job outright. Cook would make an excellent swing tackle, and he could always step in if things go poorly early in the season. Hopefully, we get to see plenty of him this week.
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