The Steelers' Best Offensive Lineman Has A Chance To Return Early In 2024

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been hit by the injury bug ahead of the 2024 season. Two of their rookies, Roman Wilson and Troy Fautanu, have been dealing with injuries since early on in training camp. Jaylen Warren also suffered a hamstring injury during the team's second preseason game. Perhaps the biggest injury that has hit the Steelers ahead of the regular season is left guard Isaac Seumalo going down with a pectoral injury, which will force him to miss Pittsburgh's Week 1 game and possibly beyond.

There was a lot of concern once Seumalo's pectoral injury was announced. Star edge rusher TJ Watt missed significant time during the 2022 season with a pectoral injury and didn't seem to return to full health until the following year. Many were worried the same would be the case for Seumalo, but the organization got good news after the lineman went through additional testing. Head Coach Mike Tomlin gave an update about Seumalo during his press conference, even saying Seumalo could return in Week 2. 

"Isaac [Seumalo] can be described as out this week, but we did get good news involving his pec injury. We'll characterize it as week-to-week, and we'll see where next week leads us. But really optimistic about his return sooner rather than later."

Seumalo is as consistent as it comes on the offensive line. He was able to play in every game for the Steelers during the 2023 season. The team was clearly focused on keeping him fresh for the 2024 season, as he was given a lot of days off for rest during training camp. He is a crucial part of the offense, and is a veteran leader for what could be a very young offensive line.

Seumalo was an exciting addition in free agency for the Steelers during the 2023 offseason. He signed a three-year deal, and had an existing relationship with Pittsburgh's Assistant General Manager Andy Weidl from their time together with the Philadelphia Eagles. He is entering his ninth NFL season, which will be his second in Pittsburgh.

The offensive line is expected to play a huge role for the Steelers in the new offense under Arthur Smith. His offense is run-heavy and places an emphasis on play-action passes, which means it will be crucial for Pittsburgh to have their five best linemen healthy as the season goes along.

Seumalo is week-to-week, so he will have another chance to play in Week 2 when the Steelers travel to Colorado to take on the Denver Broncos. It will be a big reunion for Russell Wilson, and the new quarterback will need his best lineman on the field as he takes on his former team.

Steelers' Key Players Are Working Their Way Back From Injury

Pittsburgh has a lot of guys dealing with more minor injuries than Seumalo. Warren, Fautanu, Roman Wilson, and Cory Trice Jr. All four of these players have a chance to suit up in Week 1 to take on the Atlanta Falcons. Tomlin usually will only play guys coming back from injury if they have a good week of practice, and that is what the head coach will be looking for during the week of practice.

"We've had a couple of guys working in a partial capacity yesterday on our bonus day, and we expect that to continue and increase as we push toward game time. Those guys are Roman Wilson and Troy Fautanu, we're optimistic about those guys. Jaylen Warren can also be included in that discussion along with Cory Trice."

Tomlin is optimistic that both Roman Wilson and Fautanu will be available to play, but since they are rookies, it will depend how they look in practice. They may suit up and not see the field often, or they could each be thrust into the starting lineup, which is a more likely possibility for Fautanu than Roman Wilson.

What do you think about the update on Seumalo? Let us know in the comments below!

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