Training camp is officially underway in Latrobe, and the Pittsburgh Steelers have higher expectations following their hectic offseason. The roster has a very different look to it thanks to trades for DK Metcalf, Jalen Ramsey, and Jonnus Smith, and the signing of Aaron Rodgers will hopefully give them better quarterback play.
As potentially impactful as all of those moves could be, the real upside of this year's squad will be determined by the level of play they get from both trenches.
There are very few questions about the defensive line, especially with T.J. Watt back in the building after his record-breaking extension. The offensive line, however, is much less of a sure thing. With four expected starters being 25 or younger, there is a ton of upside as well as potential for growing pains.
That is why having a veteran like Isaac Seumalo around is going to be massive. Unfortunately, the 31-year-old is reportedly dealing with an injury that could delay his third training camp with Pittsburgh.
Isaac Seumalo's injury could put Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive line behind schedule
The Steelers' announcement of Seumalo hitting the Non-Football Injury list is not the news fans wanted to see on day one of camp. The injury does not seem serious, with Head Coach Mike Tomlin calling it a soft tissue injury.
Injuries of that kind can linger for months, so it's very likely that the team is just being cautious with the 10-year veteran's health. There is no need to risk further injury this early in the preseason process. While he can easily make up for lost time upon his return, his absence could hurt the rest of the Steelers' starting five along the offensive line.
Troy Fautanu and Mason McCormick especially could be affected by Seumalo's injury, as they both have a lot to prove following their rookie seasons. Fautanu missed basically the entire 2024 campaign with a knee injury, and McCormick was inconsistent with flashes of brilliance. Broderick Jones has his own concerns, now moving to left tackle after failing to develop on the right side.
Even if many of the expected starters didn't have major questions, offensive line success is all about building chemistry and cohesion between all five players. The more time they spend practicing and playing together, the better off they will be. Unfortunately, that will have to wait until Seumalo is back in action.