The Pittsburgh Steelers have dealt with a ton of injuries at left tackle, and they are now down to their fourth-string option. However, that has worked well so far, as undrafted lineman Dylan Cook has shined in the game and a half that he has played in so far. If he keeps this level of play up, he will be in line to get a new contract and have a chance to move up the depth chart in 2026. He does have a very tough task coming up in Week 16, though.
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Steelers offensive lineman Dylan Cook (60) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson has been establishing himself as one of the best defensive players in the NFL, and he could even win the award for being the best someday. He currently has nine and a half sacks along with a career-high four forced fumbles. He is an elite defensive end that requires a lot of attention to be put on him. If that doesn't happen, he can completely wreck any game plan.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers has not played against Hutchinson much, but he still knows how much of a threat he can be. While he explained that to the media, his answer should also have gotten the attention of Cook, who will have a tough job on Sunday afternoon.
"He's making his way down the path of being a generational type player," Rodgers said. "He’s had a great career. Obviously had a tough injury last year, but he’s battled back, and he’s anything but a one-trick pony. He’s got all the moves [in the] pass rush: great spin move, cobra strike, speed to power. He’s a talented guy. He’s one of the few guys in the league you really got to know where he’s at on every play."
Dealing with Hutchinson is a problem for any offensive tackle, let alone an undrafted one that is playing in his third career game. Not only does Rodgers need to be aware of where he is, but Cook does too. The Steelers probably had the scout team mimicking all the different moves that the Detroit Lions' superstar has in his arsenal. Even then, that's nothing compared to the real Hutchinson
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Dylan Cook works with Troy Fautanu during training camp.
Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith will likely scheme Cook some help throughout the game with chips and double-teams to slow down Hutchinson. The play calls will also likely have plenty of versatility so Rodgers can identify exactly where he is and send an extra tight end to that side if need be. If the offense doesn't make a plan to shut him down, he could single-handedly annihilate the Steelers' unit.
Steelers Have More Tough Matchups For Cook
Right after the Steelers go to Detroit to face Hutchinson, they will have to travel to north Ohio to face Myles Garrett and the Cleveland Browns. The season may be over for Cleveland, but the AP Defensive Player of the Year favorite will be entirely focused on breaking the all-time sack record that TJ Watt tied back in 2021. Cook will have a very tough day then, too, if he is starting.
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Steelers left tackle Dan Moore Jr. battles against Browns star Myles Garrett.
The rookie may not continue to start depending on how certain guys recover from injuries, but there isn't a doubt that a win-or-go-home game against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 18 could also provide challenges for the big men up front in Pittsburgh.
Cook has been receiving praise left and right for his amazing play, but he needs to prove himself against this absolute gauntlet of a stretch. Rodgers knows about the generational talents on the docket, and knowing him, he has drilled every detail about them into the new tackle's head, and he will continue doing so. This is as big of a test as it can get for the undrafted lineman.
What do you think about Rodgers' message to Cook and the rest of the offensive line? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
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