The Pittsburgh Steelers dealt with a litany of injury problems throughout the 2024 season. The issues began during training camp before the regular season even kicked off, and that is happening again for the Steelers. In 2024, fans saw Roman Wilson and Russell Wilson go down before playing in any preseason games, and now the fan base will have to pay attention to training camp as veteran starting left guard Isaac Seumalo will be on the sidelines.
%202023%20Camp%20Final%20with%20Logos/2L9A9199-544x306.jpg "Steelers Isaac Seumalo")
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers offensive lineman Isaac Seumalo walks on the field at St. Vincent College as the team works out during a 2023 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Head Coach Mike Tomlin addressed the media Wednesday afternoon, which was the day that players reported to Latrobe, PA for camp. He told reporters that the starting left guard will be beginning training camp on the Non Football Injury List due to a soft tissue injury that he is currently battling.
Mike Tomlin said OL Isaac Seumalo will start on the Non Football Injury list. He has a soft tissue injury.
— Ray Fittipaldo (@rayfitt1) July 23, 2025
The significance of the injury to Seumalo is unclear, but going to the NFI list is a lot more promising than landing on Injured Reserve at this stage of the season. The way the NFI list works is that Seumalo still counts against the roster, and he can be elevated at any point. If the injury worsens, or the guard shows no sign of getting better, he can be moved to IR so Pittsburgh can open up a roster spot.
%202023%20Camp%20Final%20with%20Logos/2L9A8223-544x306.jpg "Steelers Isaac Seumalo")
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers OG Isaac Seumalo during training camp in 2023.
The Steelers’ offensive line is being counted on to take a major step forward in the 2025 season, and the loss of Seumalo's play and veteran leadership to begin training camp is not ideal. While he is working on bouncing back from his injury, Tomlin stated that third-year player Spencer Anderson will be stepping in at left guard.
Spencer Anderson will step in at LG for Seumalo. Tomlin said he does not have a timeline for Seumalo because he has not had in-depth conversations with the medical staff about the injury.
— Ray Fittipaldo (@rayfitt1) July 23, 2025
Anderson has been a versatile depth player on the offensive line for Pittsburgh over the last two seasons, and while he isn't the best replacement, things could be worse for the Steelers. Soft-tissue injuries vary in terms of how long it takes players to bounce back, so hopefully this injury doesn't keep Seumalo out for too long. Fans shouldn't expect to see him in preseason games even once he does return, due to his status as a valuable veteran and his experience in the league as a whole.
Douglas DeFelice / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Spencer Anderson prepares to block in a 2023 preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
There is no reason for concern quite yet, as Seumalo can be elevated at any point, but this is a situation worth paying attention to.
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