The Pittsburgh Steelers were praised big time when they were able to select offensive tackle Troy Fautanu in the first round, 20th overall, of the 2024 NFL Draft. With a focus on building a stronger offensive line, the Steelers have been heavily investing in the trenches, and Fautanu quickly proved he was worth the high selection. His impressive offseason and training camp performance made him an easy choice for the starting right tackle position as a rookie, and the coaching staff saw him as a major asset to protect the quarterback and bolster the run game.
AP
Steelers’ 2024 first round pick Troy Fautanu gets introduced as a Pittsburgh Steeler by Art Rooney II.
Unfortunately, Fautanu’s rookie season took an unexpected turn as injuries began to pile up. He first dealt with minor injuries throughout the preseason, and just as he was building momentum in the regular season, he tweaked his knee in practice. The setback ended his campaign before it truly began, disappointing Steelers fans eager to see the impact of their prized first-round pick. Fautanu’s absence left a noticeable gap on the offensive line, forcing the Steelers to quickly adapt.
However, Steelers insider Gerry Dulac provided a ray of hope on Wednesday, hinting that Fautanu’s season may not be completely lost. According to Dulac, there’s optimism within the organization that the rookie tackle could return in time for the postseason. While nothing is certain, Steelers fans are clinging to the possibility of seeing Fautanu back on the field when it matters most, hoping his return could truly help with a deep playoff run.
"Not for the regular season," Dulac said. "They have their fingers crossed he could possibly return for the postseason, but I don't know if that's realistic."
Fautanu’s draft stock took a hit due to concerns about his injury history. A leaked medical report caused his value to plummet, which is why the Steelers were widely praised for landing him despite these red flags.
ESPN
Steelers' Troy Fautanu looks on before a game.
Naturally, early-season injuries combined with the medical issues that hurt his draft standing have raised some concern among Steelers fans.
On the positive side, Fautanu has shown flashes of his potential despite his health setbacks and remains determined to return stronger. He is focusing on recovery, with a potential return in mind if the Steelers make the postseason.
Steelers Would Be Running A Risk Rushing Rookie Troy Fautanu Back For The Postseason
However, some wonder if bringing him back so soon would be the best choice. For starters, there’s the risk of re-injury if he’s pushed into action too quickly. Additionally, there are questions about chemistry—after missing nearly the entire season, it’s uncertain if he’ll be ready to step into the lineup seamlessly.
The Steelers' offensive line was expected to be much improved in 2024, but it has faced significant adversity due to injuries. The unit has also been hindered by the underwhelming performance of Broderick Jones, who has struggled to find his footing. Still, the Steelers’ line has shown resilience, playing hard and making the most of their resources. While not the top unit in the league, they’ve built solid chemistry, aside from Jones' challenges.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Troy Fautanu and Broderick Jones sit in their lockers before Week 1 against the Falcons.
Steelers fans are hopeful that Fautanu’s return could help power a deep playoff run. The team hasn’t won a postseason game since 2016, but sitting at 6-2 and seeing everything come together, there’s plenty of optimism in the Steel City. With Fautanu’s potential comeback, the team could gain the extra push it needs to make a serious impact in the playoffs.
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