The Pittsburgh Steelers have had to mix and match along the offensive line for the early part of the 2024 season due to players getting injured. Three projected starters all suffered injuries during training camp. It didn't help when rookie first round pick Troy Fautanu got healthy enough to start one game before going on season-ending Injured Reserve (IR). Two weeks later, James Daniels suffered a season-ending injury and went from not missing a snap, to potentially playing his last one as a Steeler back in Week 4.
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Steelers' offensive line against the Falcons in Week 1 of 2024.
While the line has been more consistent as far as its rotation of players after the bye week, they have another concern: Mason McCormick broke his hand in the regular season finale. Despite that, he is still listed as questionable, and he has been practicing with a brace. If he can't go, then Spencer Anderson will take over at right guard for the Wild Card game against the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday.
McCormick gave the media an update on what has to happen for him to be able to jump right in and start with his injury.
“I’m not gonna play if it’s not OK,” McCormick said. “If I can grip and play, then I’m going to... I’m not going to go if it inhibits me in any way.”
It will definitely be a challenge to play at 100% one week after breaking a hand, but McCormick is looking to make it happen. He was a limited participant in every practice leading up to the postseason. Anderson has taken the bulk of the reps at first-team right guard. The utility man is ready to come in and play if needed.
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Troy Fautanu (76) and Mason McCormick (66) work out during Organized Team Activities (OTAs) in 2024.
Anderson started the season at left guard for the injured Isaac Seumalo, but was benched ahead of Week 4 for McCormick. However, that was the game that Daniels got injured in, so he went back into the game at right guard. Seumalo returned after that, and McCormick moved back to the front side of the line.
Steelers May Be Anticipating McCormick To Be Out Based On Roster Move
The Steelers cut receiver Scotty Miller without signing someone to replace him. The speculation is that they're making that move so they can activate Calvin Anderson off of IR and having him around as depth. With some of the shifting around on the offensive line, they would need more depth at offensive tackle.
Steelers announce they've released WR Scotty Miller - likely opening a roster spot for OT Calvin Anderson who could return this weekend with Spencer Anderson potentially starting at guard.
— SteelerNation (@steelernation) January 9, 2025
Roman Wilson, Logan Lee, and Cole Holcomb all are out and will remain on IR
Spencer Anderson's versatility has made him a reliable backup at all five positions on the offensive line. If McCormick is out on Saturday however, Calvin Anderson's availability will be crucial for possible depth to the offensive line as a whole.
Douglas DeFelice / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers OT/OG Spencer Anderson prepares to block in a 2023 preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons.
The Steelers previously claimed Max Scharping off of the Washington Commanders' practice squad. Since he has stopped being a healthy scratch, he has been the primary backup guard. Instead of rolling with him, the Steelers appear more comfortable with Spencer Anderson.
That kind versatility from Anderson has been a low key asset to the Steelers in 2024. With injuries decimating the offensive line since training camp, he has had to develop at multiple positions. He was supposed to just be backup right guard, but he as adjusted well to his numerous roles. The more you can do, the more valuable you are. That is a line that the Steelers embrace, and Anderson has been the poster child for that saying up front.
What do you think about McCormick's injury update, as well as Anderson's versatility? Let us know in the comments.
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