Steelers' Presumed Starter Is Now In Serious Danger After Telling Practice Development

The Pittsburgh Steelers appeared to have their starting right guard entering the 2026 season. Spencer Anderson had consistently worked with the first-team offensive line throughout the offseason and remained listed ahead of Brock Hoffman on Pittsburgh's initial depth chart.

That order is no longer as secure as it once appeared. Hoffman has reportedly generated serious momentum since the Steelers began practicing in pads, bringing the physicality and aggression Pittsburgh wants from its offensive linemen under head coach Mike McCarthy.

The competition took another important turn during Sunday's practice. Steelers reporter Chris Adamski noticed Hoffman opening the first walkthrough period at right guard, making it clear that Anderson's grip on the starting position deserves renewed attention.

"Read into this what you will (and maybe don't), but for the first walkthrough period of practice today, Brock Hoffman is at right guard," Adamski wrote. "Something worth watching the rest of practice. Spencer Anderson had been, without fail, RG1 since May."

One walkthrough period does not confirm that McCarthy has changed his starter. Pittsburgh has already rotated Anderson and Hoffman at right guard during training camp, and evaluating different combinations is a normal part of the preseason. 

However, Hoffman opening that period with the first team matters because Anderson had spent most of the offseason in control of the competition. Every additional opportunity for Hoffman suggests the coaching staff is becoming increasingly comfortable with him beside starting center Zach Frazier. 

Anderson represents the safer option. He understands Pittsburgh's personnel, has experience throughout the offensive line and has generally provided dependable play when called upon. His versatility has made him a valuable piece of the roster since the Steelers selected him in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft. The concern is whether dependable will be enough to hold off Hoffman. 

Reports from camp suggest Hoffman has become noticeably more aggressive since the pads came on, giving him the personality and playing style capable of separating him from Anderson. Hoffman appears to enjoy the nastier parts of playing offensive line. 

That mentality resembles what Mason McCormick has brought to Pittsburgh. McCormick's physicality, competitiveness and willingness to finish blocks helped him establish himself, and Hoffman could follow a similar path on the opposite side of the line. Pittsburgh did not sign Hoffman merely to fill out its depth chart. The veteran has appeared in 54 NFL games and made 16 starts across both guard positions and center. 

He also allowed only half a sack during his four seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, according to his official Steelers biography. Hoffman's experience with McCarthy creates another advantage. He played for McCarthy in Dallas from 2022 through 2024, meaning he already understands many of the coach's expectations, terminology and offensive principles. That familiarity could become extremely valuable as Pittsburgh installs a new system under James Campen. 

Anderson has participated in the entire transition, but Hoffman has firsthand knowledge of how McCarthy wants his offense to operate. The difference could help Pittsburgh avoid unnecessary communication problems when the regular season begins.

Steelers Have To Embrace The Higher-Upside Option

Hoffman currently looks like the more trustworthy Week 1 starter. His veteran experience, extensive familiarity with McCarthy and aggressive mentality provide an appealing combination beside Frazier. That does not mean Anderson has played poorly or lost the competition. It means Hoffman has done enough to make the decision considerably more difficult. 

Anderson may provide a reliable floor, but Hoffman appears capable of bringing more upside, leadership and physical energy to the offensive line. Pittsburgh needs to establish a consistent starting five before the regular season. The offensive line has already dealt with injuries and multiple positional changes, so McCarthy cannot afford uncertainty to linger indefinitely.

The next two preseason games should provide both guards with opportunities to settle the competition. Pittsburgh must evaluate how each player communicates, handles powerful defensive linemen and protects Aaron Rodgers when facing more realistic game situations. 

Anderson remains listed as the starter on the official depth chart, but the competition has clearly tightened. Hoffman has transformed what once appeared to be a settled position into one of Pittsburgh's most meaningful remaining battles. The presumed starter is now in danger, and Hoffman has earned the chance to take the job from him.

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