Steelers' Mike McCarthy Sends A Direct Message To Max Iheanachor With Troy Fautanu's Latest Status

The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Atlanta Falcons 20-13 in a game where both offenses struggled to gain traction. Neither offense was particularly impressive, with both offensive lines struggling at times. Pittsburgh's offensive line is one of the most invested groups on the roster and isn't playing up to its high expectations. Even with both starting edge rushers missing, Atlanta still managed to sack Aaron Rodgers twice and pressure him 15 times -- numbers that Rodgers will not be content as the season goes on. 

The offense struggled across the trenches, especially at right tackle, where first-round pick Max Iheanachor was breathing down Dylan Cook's neck for the starting job. Cook allowed three pressures, a sack, and also drew a penalty in the contest. Cook was a fringe starter going into training camp until Iheanachor suffered a neck injury that limited him to just one preseason game. Cook got all the first-team reps and started all the exhibition bouts, securing his starting spot. 

During the win against the Falcons, left tackle Troy Fautanu went down with an ankle injury in the fourth quarter. Because of Fautanu's injury, Cook shifted to left tackle, and Iheanachor made his regular-season debut at right tackle. The rookie is expected to join the starting lineup early this season, and with Fautanu dealing with an ankle injury, it could be even sooner. 

Fautanu missed Wednesday's practice with his ankle injury and will be limited on Thursday. Iheanachor will step in and take all of the first-team reps, and insider Ray Fittipaldo reported via his X account that Head Coach Mike McCarthy believes Thursday is a big day for the rookie. 

"Troy Fautanu will be limited today after not practicing yesterday, Mike McCarthy said. McCarthy said it’s a big day for Max Iheanachor, who is expected to get extended work with the starters again today. The Steelers will be in pads today."

Iheanachor getting more work with the first group is bad news for Cook, who has to fight for his spot every single week. McCarthy and the staff couldn't justify throwing their first-round pick into the fire with so few preseason reps. Now, with first-team reps for most of the week, he's getting closer to a spot in the starting five where he will show the organization the return on their investment. 

It's hard to judge the project tackle because of his limited playing time. He saw just one snap against the Falcons and one preseason game, where he was the backup. He showed flashes of potential greatness in his pass sets against the Buffalo Bills in the exhibition game, but also gave up a brutal sack. The more reps he gets, the better, and running with the starters in pads on Thursday is a huge opportunity for the offensive tackle. 

While Fautanu deals with his ankle injury, his status for Sunday is still unclear. If he doesn't play, Iheanachor will likely make his first career start in New England, which could be a tall task for a rookie. The Patriots are coming off a season in which their defense willed them to the Super Bowl in the postseason. The unit improved in the offseason and played well against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 1, despite the loss. 

Steelers Rookie Better Be Up For The Task

The Patriots are no slouch on the defensive line, with Milton Williams, Dre'Mont Jones, and Christian Barmore leading the group. Against a stout unit in a loud atmosphere like Foxborough, Iheanachor will have his work cut out for him. Making your first career start against the Super Bowl runner-up in their house is a rare feat for a rookie offensive lineman and one most teams would likely stay away from. 

With Pittsburgh's offensive tackle situation, their project tackle may be forced to make his first career start in Week 2 in New England. Iheanachor needs to step up not only in practice, but in games as well, if he wants to be the permanent starter. 

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