In back to back weeks, the Pittsburgh Steelers have lost their starting right side of the offensive line to season-ending injuries. Steelers right guard James Daniels will miss the rest of the 2024 season after suffering a torn Achilles in the team’s 27-24 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, according to a report by Jeremy Fowler of ESPN Daniels was injured on the Steelers’ first possession of the game and did not return. He was replaced by second-year offensive lineman Spencer Anderson.
Rookie right tackle Troy Fautanu suffered ligament damage while dislocating his kneecap during practice on Sept. 20, according to a report by Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. He will miss the rest of the regular season, though he could possibly return if the Steelers make the playoffs.
Fautanu had just returned from an MCL sprain in his left knee that he suffered in the first preseason game. He dressed but did not play in Week 1, but was put into the starting lineup in Week 2 against the Denver Broncos, replacing Broderick Jones.
Overall, the offensive line is currently without five of their top offensive lineman. They unit has been absolutely decimated with injuries.
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The Steelers finished the Colts game with backups at both guard positions, as Isaac Seumalo has yet to play a game this season after injuring his pec in a preseason practice. He could be back this week for the game against the Dallas Cowboys, however. His expected recovery time was 3-4 weeks.
Anderson started the first three games at left guard, but his play was below the line. Rookie fourth-rounder Mason McCormick rotated in with Anderson in the team’s Week 3 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. McCormick then started against the Colts and a rotation was planned but that was altered once Daniels went down with an injury.
The Steelers are also without two key backup offensive lineman.
Backup center/guard Nate Herbig suffered a torn rotator cuff during the final day of Steelers training camp practice at St. Vincent College and was placed on the injured reserve list, ending his 2024 season. Herbig opened training camp as the starting center before losing the starting job to rookie Zach Frazier. He was slotted to be the team’s top interior backup.
Backup tackle Dylan Cook is on the injured reserve list with a Lisfranc injury to his foot, but he was placed on the designated to return list. He is eligible to come off the IR list for Week 5, but his absence is expected to extend beyond that point, Steelers Now has learned. Cook suffered the injury in the Steelers’ second preseason game against the Buffalo Bills.
Cook entered the season as the No. 4 tackle on the Steelers depth chart, behind starters Dan Moore Jr. and Broderick Jones and first-round draft pick Troy Fautanu. The Steelers had been grooming Cook to eventually take over the team’s swing backup position, working him at both left and right tackle with the second team, and also a jumbo tight end.
Broderick Jones hasn’t been fully healthy, either. He had a big brace on his right elbow from the second week of training camp season through the first two weeks of the season. He’s now wearing a rubber elbow pad. The right elbow injury could be the reason for his subpar play.
The depth and youth on the offensive line will be a big challenge to overcome for the Steelers. They’re currently slotted to start two rookies, two second-year offensive lineman and Dan Moore Jr. on the offensive line. Seumalo coming back this week would be a big boost, though. It’s expected that McCormick will replace Daniels at right guard.
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Alan Saunders contributed reporting for this story.