The Pittsburgh Steelers are getting closer to seeing their first-round pick on the field in game action for the first time. Right tackle Max Iheanachor told the media on Monday that the team is planning for him to play against the Buffalo Bills on Thursday.
Iheanachor hasn’t appeared in either of the Steelers’ first two preseason games. He suffered an injury at training camp on August 6 and is believed to have affected his upper body. Today was the first day Iheanachor practiced since sustaining the injury.
Iheanachor said he wanted to come back earlier, but wants to suit up before the exhibitions end.
“I wanted to play since the first preseason [game], but obviously missing practices and stuff,” Iheanachor said, per ESPN reporter Brooke Pryor. “Couldn’t get out there with the guys. So I mean, that’s the plan to play this last one.”
The Steelers selected Iheanachor, feet away from Acrisure Stadium, with the 21st pick out of Arizona State to bolster their offensive line. Pittsburgh’s offensive line has struggled to find cohesiveness throughout the preseason. Dylan Cook and Broderick Jones have split time at right tackle with Cook primarily playing with the first-team.
Iheanachor is listed as the backup right tackle behind Cook. The Steelers are only planning on developing Iheanachor on the right side after flipping Troy Fautanu to the left.
The Steelers play their final preseason game and only road contest against the Buffalo Bills in the new Highmark Stadium on Thursday, August 27.
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