When the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Max Iheanachor 21st overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, the immediate question was how soon the young tackle would be thrust into the starting lineup.
It seems as though Steelers fans will have to wait for the regular-season debut of their first-round draft pick, as Dylan Cook appears to be slated to start at right tackle when the Steelers take the field against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.
During his press conference on Monday, Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy would
not commit to naming a definitive starter at right tackle, but he offered some insight into what the team is thinking just days before their Week 1 matchup.
McCarthy said that Cook has been taking “most of the reps” at right tackle as he has been all summer long.
“We feel really good about Dylan,” McCarthy told the media when asked about cohesion among the five starting offensive linemen.
Combine what McCarthy said about Cook taking most of the reps and a vote of confidence, and it’s reasonable to assume that it will be No. 60 getting the nod to start in Week 1.
Later in his media availability, the Steelers head coach expressed how impressed he has been with Iheanachor when he has been healthy enough to play. “Make no mistake about it, he can play,” McCarthy said.
Due to the injury that the rookie tackle suffered in camp, it seems that Iheanchor will have to wait to earn a spot in the starting lineup on Pittsburgh’s offensive line. It would be tough to throw the rookie tackle into the starting lineup right away after playing in just one preseason game, so this seems like the decision we have all been expecting.
The Steelers offensive line will have new starters in Cook and right guard Spencer Anderson to begin 2026. After an up-and-down performance in the preseason, McCarthy is putting his faith in the offensive line to come together ahead of their season opener.
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