Steelers Offense Gets Big Boost With Isaac Seumalo Return

INDIANAPOLIS — Steelers left guard Isaac Seumalo will play against the Indianapolis Colts after being questionable with a shoulder injury. Seumalo did not practice all week, but he did the same a week ago against the New England Patriots and ended up playing all the snaps at left guard for the team.

If he did not play, Nate Herbig would have been in line for a start. The team will now have their full lineup on offense aside from quarterback Kenny Pickett, who is still working back from tightrope surgery on his ankle.  Pickett is pushing to return from his ankle injury in Week 16 return against the Cincinnati Bengals, according to a report by Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Pickett suffered a high ankle sprain in his right ankle in the team’s Week 13 loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Dec. 3. Two days later, he had surgery on that ankle in an attempt to decrease his recovery time and strengthen the joint against potential further injury.

Pickett underwent the same procedure on his other ankle when he was at Pitt in 2020, and he missed only two games, returning on Nov. 7 after being injured on Oct. 10.

A return against the Bengals would be a similar timeframe, but Rapoport said Pickett getting back to action in time to face the Seattle Seahawks in Week 17 is more likely.

Having a guy like Isaac Seumalo in the fold is huge for a team facing DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart on the other side. The Colts have an underrated defensive line with Samson Ebukam and Kwity Paye on the edge, in addition to those players. Seumalo should help boost the chances Pittsburgh can continue their success on the ground against one of the worst run defenses in the NFL. If Jaylen Warren and Najee Harris can get going, the Steelers could have a solid chance to move the ball.