New Name Emerges in Steelers Center Competiton

PITTSBURGH — The Steelers could have a new name in their center competition. Spencer Anderson received some work there throughout the week leading up to the game but got none on Thursday. However, in pregame, Anderson went through the reps with the team at center, specifically as the third team center with the team. He is confident in his ability to snap in a live game, and he got that chance to showcase his ability on Saturday.

“He did all those things in college, and so you know, if you show versatility, it helps his cause and ours, and he appears to be a young guy at least intellectually that’s capable of handling it,” head coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday. “The more we give him reps will be revealed whether he’s physically capable of handling, so far so good.”

Kendrick Green and Mason Cole played before Anderson, who got into the game late in the fourth quarter after lackluster play from Green throughout the night. In those limited snaps, Anderson got all of the snaps off clean and accurately and appeared to play at a solid level. The Steelers could soon be looking to Anderson to try and give them a significant look at what he can do against the Falcons.

There are some options on the roster for backup center aside from Green. Nate Herbig, who is currently limited with a shoulder injury, might be a leader in the clubhouse. Isaac Seumalo and James Daniels have each played there before in their college or pro career. Then, there is Anderson, who has now played all five spots along the offensive line at some point this preseason. Credit to him for the versatility, as it will make him far less expendable on cut-down day. But Anderson needs an extended look to see if he can be the solution to the team’s backup center question, or if they need to explore other options.