The Pittsburgh Steelers have suffered multiple significant injuries throughout the course of training camp. Offensive tackle Calvin Anderson suffered an injury during the annual Friday Night Lights practice, as the team remains without an answer as to how significant it could be. Anderson was signed in 2024 following a season-ending injury to then-rookie offensive tackle Troy Fautanu, and the Steelers remain hopeful that Anderson will be available at the start of the 2025 season.
Jack Dempsey / AP Photo
Steelers' Calvin Anderson during his time with the Denver Broncos.
Fautanu, who appeared in just one game during his rookie season, is a promising young tackle that is expected to be fully healthy for the 2025 season. Fautanu was a star at the collegiate level, as the 6'4", 317-pound offensive lineman played a crucial role in Washington's success throughout his time with the program. Fautanu was a first-round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, as the former Husky will look to bounce back throughout his second NFL season.
AP
Steelers offensive lineman Troy Fautanu.
As injuries to the Steelers' offensive line continue to pile up, Head Coach Mike Tomlin recently shared his thoughts when asked about Fautanu's versatility, stating whether or not the second-year lineman could play other positions on the offensive line.
"No, he doesn't have enough experience to do that." Tomlin emphatically stated. "If you watch today, we gave Spencer Anderson some work out there."
Tomlin then went on to mention that the Steelers have much more versatile and experienced options available at their disposal outside of Fautanu, as Pittsburgh is expected to call upon multiple other players prior to the second-year lineman when it comes to shuffling around.
"[Spencer Anderson is] more experienced and versatile, and so others will be called upon, probably before Troy will."
Tomlin's comments should not come as surprising to many, as Fautanu is a promising young lineman, but still has just one official game of regular season experience in the NFL. Fautanu is expected to play a key role on the Steelers' offensive line throughout 2025 despite being highly inexperienced, as the former Washington Husky is expected to thrive should he prove to be fully healthy.
Pittsburgh selected Fautanu 20th overall in 2024, as the rising star was widely regarded as one of the more talented lineman available in that draft class. Fautanu suffered a brutal knee injury in 2024 during practice, as the surgery needed for the injury resulted in the former first-round pick missing the rest of his rookie season.
The former Washington star has continued to flash his potential throughout training camp, as the lineman is widely expected to remain at right tackle to start the 2025 season. Fans are encouraged to keep a close eye on Fautanu throughout the course of training camp as the rising star remains hopeful that he will bounce back this year.
Steelers' Offensive Line Expected To Be Key Component For Pittsburgh In 2025
Despite suffering multiple injuries during training camp, the Steelers' offensive line will play a key role in Pittsburgh's success throughout the 2025 season. The Steelers have 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers as their starting quarterback, as the future Hall of Famer will rely on the offensive line constantly for protection throughout his time on the field.
Rodgers, who is entering what is more than likely his final season in the NFL, is a quarterback that is far past his prime, but could still be a legitimate weapon should the offensive line prove to effectively protect him.
Pittsburgh is expecting a major year out of Broderick Jones as well, as he will look to shine throughout his third season in the NFL. The former Georgia Bulldog is expected to play a crucial role in 2025 at left tackle, as Jones is widely considered to be one of the more important players on the Steelers' offensive line. With the first game of the preseason continuing to grow closer, fans should continue to keep a close eye on the entire offensive line throughout the remainder of training camp.
AP Photo / Barry Reeger
Steelers offensive lineman Broderick Jones prepares to block a defender as the team participates in a practice at the UPMC Sports Complex in Pittsburgh, PA.
With Fautanu set to bounce back from a plethora of injuries suffered throughout his rookie campaign, the Steelers find themselves with multiple questions on the offensive line entering this season. Both Jones and Fautanu will play a crucial role in protecting Rodgers, as one big hit can result in the end of the 41 year old quarterback's career.
The offensive line is expected to continue taking reps and getting comfortable throughout training camp, as fans will be able to get their first glimpse of the offensive line in action against a real defense during the first preseason game.
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