Steelers Place Guard James Daniels on IR

Pittsburgh Steelers OG James Daniels
Pittsburgh Steelers guard James Daniels wears a Guardian cap in a preseason game against the Houston Texans on Aug. 10, 2024. -- Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

The Pittsburgh Steelers have placed starting right guard James Daniels on injured reserve, the team announced on Tuesday afternoon. Daniels, who suffered a torn Achilles in the team’s 27-24 loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, will be out for the season. Daniels might have played his last game as a Steeler, too, as he’ll be an unrestricted free agent this offseason.

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.

Daniels is the third Steelers offensive lineman to suffer a season-ending injury — joining rookie offensive tackle Troy Fautanu (knee) and center/guard Nate Herbig (rotator cuff). 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.

Steelers James Daniels

Rookie Mason McCormick is expected to start at right guard on Sunday against the Cowboys. Anderson will get the nod at left guard if Seumalo is not ready to return. Tomlin was pleased with how both young guards played against the Colts.

“Double thumbs up on both guys,” Tomlin said.

When speaking with reporters on Tuesday, Tomlin was optimistic about the return of veteran left guard Isaac Seumalo for Sunday night’s game against the Dallas Cowboys. Seumalo, who suffered a pectoral injury during practice on Aug. 28, has missed the first four games. His initial timetable to return was 3-4 weeks.

“Excited about the potential of having Isaac back … real shot to make it this time,” Tomlin said.

Seumalo attempted to return last week but was downgraded to out on Saturday. He had been a limited participant in all three practice sessions after not participating in any practices the first three weeks.

RELATED: Steelers Finally Get Good Injury News on Offensive Line

Alan Saunders contributed reporting from Pittsburgh.

Mentioned In This Article: