It's been a whirlwind of events for the Pittsburgh Steelers as they prepare for the start of the 2024 season. After cutting their roster down to 53 players, Mike Tomlin's team sustained another blow to their offensive line with an injury at practice.
Meanwhile, Tomlin officially named a starting quarterback for Week 1, and Pittsburgh made their first wave of practice squad signings. Here's the latest Steelers news.
Isaac Seumalo suffers pectoral injury at practice
Isaac Seumalo is the latest Steelers offensive lineman to suffer an injury this summer. Fans held their breath when ESPN's Adam Schefter first reported that it was a pectoral injury for Seumalo. Schefter later brought more encouraging news when he said the injury is not season-ending.
Initial tests showed that Steelers guard Isaac Seumalo did not suffer a season-ending pectoral injury. The team still is weighing how long he could miss but as one source said, “We dodged a bullet.” https://t.co/ztNNyeNHr5
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 28, 2024
If this is listed as a minor pectoral injury, this could still take four to six weeks for Seumalo to make his return to the field. In 2022, T.J. Watt suffered a pectoral injury and opted to skip surgery. The injury occurred in Week 1, and he didn't suit up for the Steelers again until Week 10 following Pittsburgh's bye week.
From the sounds of it, Seumalo's pec injury may not be this severe, but the Steelers will be without him for an extended period of time. Pittsburgh is likely to fill the role in-house with second-year offensive lineman Spencer Anderson. Rookie Mason McCormick could be an option if Anderson struggles.
Russell Wilson named Steelers starting quarterback for Week 1
The Pittsburgh Steelers officially named a starting quarterback for their Week 1 road contest against the Atlanta Falcons. Mike Tomlin spoke to the media where he confirmed Russell Wilson will be the QB1 to begin the season. Here's a clip from WPXI's Jenna Harner:
Mike Tomlin explains his decision to officially name Russell Wilson QB 1 pic.twitter.com/nud25VZGSj
— Jenna Harner (@JennaHarner11) August 28, 2024
This move shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone. Tomlin allowed Wilson to play just the opening series in the preseason finale against the Detroit Lions before pulling him from the game. This was all the evidence we needed.
Wilson was always in 'pole position' of the quarterback 'competition' in Pittsburgh. Justin Fields, who happens to be ten years younger than Wilson, could see the field at some point this season if Wilson struggles or the offense isn't getting the job done.
Steelers first practice squad additions
Shortly after cutting their roster down to 53 players, the Pittsburgh Steelers started adding players to their 16-man practice squad. Joining the practice squad in the first wave of signings are running backs Boston Scott and Jonathan Ward, wide receiver Brandon Johnson, offensive lineman Doug Nester, and cornerback Anthony Averett.
Averett and Ward were both on Pittsburgh's 90-man summer roster but did not make the final cut. With five of sixteen spots filled, the Steelers will look to round out this list in the coming days as they prepare for the start of the 2024 season.