Steelers Starting Guard Dealing With Injury

ATLANTA — Steelers guard James Daniels is dealing with an injury and is day-to-day, head coach Mike Tomlin said following the team’s win over the Atlanta Falcons.

Daniels, surprisingly, was spotted in street clothes before the team’s final preseason game. He and Cam Heyward turned out to be surprise scratches. Since the injury is day-to-day, they are considered relatively minor and not threatening for the Week 1 game against the San Francisco 49ers.

Kevin Dotson (right shoulder) and Nate Herbig (shoulder) did not suit up, leaving Kendrick Green as the starter against the Falcons. Green had never played right guard before the game. It ended up being a good opportunity for players such as Green, Bill Dunkle, Dylan Cook, Spencer Anderson, and Ryan McCollum to showcase what they could do. In addition, it gives the Steelers a chance to test the depth at the position with three injuries. Isaac Seumalo suited up to play at left guard.

The Steelers’ offense did not miss a beat, and the ground game showed out, too. Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren worked off one another to pound in two touchdowns with the first-team offense across two drives. Daniels is a guy who appears to be primed for a career season. His under-the-radar solid training camp elevated the expectations for Daniels in his second year under Pat Meyer and with the Steelers.

Alan Saunders contributed reporting from Atlanta.