It's never easy to return from a season-ending injury, especially when you are a rookie. Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Troy Fautanu is familiar with this unfortunate career path, but he is eager for his second training camp.
Fautanu produced an impressive effort during his rookie preseason, which catapulted him into the starting conversation at the right tackle vacancy.
After briefly securing the starting job over Broderick Jones, he suffered a troublesome fate. He was lost to the season after suffering a campaign-ending knee injury against the Denver Broncos last year. Most of his first season in the NFL was spent rehabbing and getting back into playing shape. He reported to training camp healthier than ever and raring to put the helmet back on.
Nick Farabaugh of Penn Live caught up with Fautanu, where he reported that the second-year offensive tackle is ready to go. This is great news for Pittsburgh as they hope to create a strong offensive line this season. All five of their starters have pressure to perform this year with ancient Aaron Rodgers standing behind them.
It will be up to this unproven group to show they are worthy of the hype.
Troy Fautanu's return from injury should fix the Pittsburgh Steelers' O-line at training camp
Troy Fautanu might have a lot of attention with his return from injury, but he appeared to be steady before that setback occurred.
Although there is excitement in the trenches for Pittsburgh, it should be brought with concern. Their offensive line is full of high-upside talent, but it's largely made up of young and unproven players. The group will be full of players who have a long way to go before everyone is happy.
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Outside of Fautanu’s poised presence and Isaac Seumalo’s steady play, the Steelers' offensive line remains a mix of promise and inexperience heading into training camp. While several linemen have shown flashes, this group must mature quickly to prove Pittsburgh’s rebuild in the trenches is finally complete.
Four out of the five starters must prove the doubters wrong this season.
Broderick Jones will be the starting left tackle once and for all this campaign. He has barely played snaps on his "normal" side. He struggled on his opposite side, and Pittsburgh is praying the switch back to where he's most comfortable will fix his woes. If Jones fails, it's possible Fautanu will get shuffled around this season because the left side is the most important position along the line.
The Steelers will rely on a duo of Zach Frazier and Mason McCormick to help control the remainder of the offensive line. Both showed a lot of positive outcomes throughout their rookie seasons, but neither is abundant with experience outside of that. They’re entering a pivotal season that could secure their spot as long-term starters for years to come.