The Pittsburgh Steelers faced a rollercoaster of emotions following their Wednesday practice session. Emerging from the practice field, the team encountered a mix of encouraging and disheartening developments that could significantly impact their 2023 season.
Key Injury to Starting Guard
The most notable setback involves starting guard Isaac Seumalo, who suffered a pectoral injury during practice. There were initial fears that the injury could be season-ending. However, after undergoing a series of tests, it was confirmed that Seumalo has avoided a catastrophic setback. He is expected to miss around a month of action.
This marks a crucial period for Seumalo, who played a pivotal role in the Steelers' offensive line last season, starting all 17 games after joining the team from the Philadelphia Eagles. His experience includes being a key reserve during the Eagles’ 2017 Super Bowl-winning season and a starter for their 2022 NFC Championship squad. The Steelers are optimistic about his return, with one insider noting, "We dodged a bullet."
Additional Offensive Line Concerns
However, the bad news didn't stop there. Nate Herbig, who was in the running for the starting center position, suffered a season-ending shoulder injury during the final training camp practice. Herbig's absence leaves a significant gap in the offensive line depth chart.
Rookie tackle Broderick Jones also has an elbow injury that he has been playing through. The elbow issue has somewhat hampered his performance during the preseason games, casting further concerns over the line’s robustness as the season opener approaches.
Potential Replacements to Step Up
With Seumalo temporarily out and Herbig sidelined for the season, the Steelers are looking to the next men up to fill these critical roles. Rookie Mason McCormick and 2023 seventh-round pick Spencer Anderson have emerged as the frontrunners to replace Seumalo in the starting lineup. Anderson, who appeared in eight games as a rookie last season, brings some experience, while McCormick comes highly touted as a fourth-round pick out of FCS South Dakota State.
There is also speculation about positional versatility within the team, especially considering Herbig’s injury. For instance, Mason McCormick has expressed his readiness to shift positions if needed, stating that he would be "ready if the Steelers asked him to move over to center in light of Herbig's injury."
Team Spirit and Future Prospects
Despite these setbacks, the mood within the Steelers camp remains cautiously optimistic. The team's ability to navigate through this challenging period with a patched-up line will require a high degree of cohesion and precise execution. The coming weeks will be pivotal not just for the health of the players but also for the adaptability and performance of both seasoned veterans and rookies alike.
As it stands, the Steelers’ offensive line will need to rally together to fill the gaps left by Seumalo and Herbig. With the team’s depth being tested, the performance and resilience of the next players up will significantly shape the season's trajectory.
The Steelers enter this critical phase knowing that every practice, game plan, and player performance is essential. The blend of seasoned experience and youthful potential will be key to ensuring that the team stays on course amid these early adversities.