Steelers Have Big Concern Developing That Could Ruin 2024 Season

In theory, the Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive line for the 2024 season was supposed to consist of Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu at the tackle spots, Isaac Seumalo and James Daniels working in at left and right guard, while Zach Frazier controlled the center position. The reality of that desired setup has been derailed week in and week out due to injuries dating back to Seumalo's pectoral issue. The dominos have continued to fall with Fautanu being ruled out for the regular season, and to make matters worst, the most consistent of the unit in Daniels went down in Week 4 and will miss the rest of the year as well.

The Steelers have been lucky in recent years when it has come to the health of the offensive line, but the 2024 campaign is seeing something completely different. Dan Moore Jr. and Frazier have been the only consistent names in the lineup through four weeks. In a system that demands stout blocking to open running lanes and allow the play-action to develop, inconsistency on the line is something that could derail the entire playbook.

The initial reaction regarding Daniels' injury wasn't a very good one, as he was seen leaving Lucas Oil Stadium in a walking boot. That's never a good sign, especially for an offensive lineman.

Once you pair a hobbled offensive line with injuries also going on in the running backs' room, it's pretty clear that the offense will have a tough time executing the game plan that Arthur Smith seems to have in his first season as the Steelers' offensive coordinator. The only ball-carrier that was healthy with experience the entire game on Sunday was Najee Harris, who rushed 13 times for just 19 yards.

The good news for the line is that Seumalo should be back in Week 5, but that return is now counteracted by the fact that Daniels will no longer be suiting up. The group can't catch a break, and when you pair the injuries with inconsistent snapping from Frazier, it seems like the unit could seriously hold the team back from its full potential in 2024.

This is a major point in the Steelers' season. A 3-1 record suddenly doesn't feel as exciting with an offensive line decimated by injuries. It will be a next man up approach, and rookie Mason McCormick is now going to likely step in at right guard and be the starter for the rest of the season. It takes time for the big men up front to gel as a unit, and that has now been delayed once again as October is set to begin. 

The defense has remained relatively healthy, but offense is a necessity in today's NFL. The group has been more productive through four weeks in 2024 compared to previous seasons, but it will be difficult for it to reach its potential without a consistent starting five on the line. Defensive lines are going to be licking their chops when Pittsburgh is on the schedule in any given week. It is going to be an uphill battle moving forward.

Steelers Getting Consistent And Healthy Play From Pretty Much 1 Player

Frazier has been a mauler in his first few weeks as professional, but snapping woes still has to have fans worried. The only individual playing consistent football while also remaining healthy is Moore. No one thought that would be the case for the 2024 campaign, but he has protected the blindside well and the unit is going to have to rely on him and a healthy Seumalo to propel itself forward.

Do you think the Steelers can win a playoff game with the current state of the offensive line? Let us know in the comments below!

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