Steelers OT Competition Wide Open After Max Iheanachor News

The Pittsburgh Steelers got some much-needed positive news when it comes to the health of their first-round pick Max Iheanachor.

Ahead of practice on August 24, head coach Mike McCarthy told reporters that Iheanachor (upper-body) is set to practice for the first time since August 6 and may play in the Steelers' preseason finale against the Buffalo Bills on August 27, though his snap count will largely be dependent on how he looks over the next few days at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.

"I really wanna see him go today," McCarthy said about Iheanachor. "I know he's anxious to go. I'll be watching him a lot through the individuals. We've got two padded practices, so it'll be a really good indication of how much he'll be able to play Thursday. We'll see how it goes."

Aug 03, 2026; Latrobe, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Max Iheanachor (71) blocks linebacker T.J. Watt (90.)during a practice session at Training camp at Saint Vincent College. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Steelers' RT Struggles in Preseason and Iheanachor's Big Opportunity

Dylan Cook was pencilled in as the starter at right tackle for a vast majority of the offseason after an impressive five-game sample size to close out the 2025 campaign over at left tackle following Broderick Jones' season-ending neck injury.

Before Iheanachor went down with his injury, however, he appeared to be making up some serious ground on Cook in Latrobe, especially when the pads came on and he was tasked with stopping the likes of T.J. Watt, Nick Herbig and Jack Sawyer.

Iheanachor's injury initially seemed to dash any hopes of winning the starting right tackle job, but Cook has been mediocre at best across the first two games of the preseason.

Jones' struggles are incredibly evident too, as he's given up three sacks and four pressures over 66 pass blocking reps between left and right tackle (per Pro Football Focus).

With neither Cook or Jones looking like a true solution, the door may still be open for Iheanachor to make headway in the race and prove why he should be handed the reins at right tackle with a strong outing against the Bills.

Is Iheanachor a Legit Candidate to Win RT Job Heading Into Regular Season?

Iheanachor has all the traits to eventually become a stalwart and high-level player at right tackle. His good start to training camp was an important step, as his standout athleticism and raw strength immediately stood out.

Not being able to play in Pittsburgh's first two preseason games undeniably put him behind the eight-ball, however, especially when the team's initial plans likely didn't involve starting the Arizona State product right off the jump considering how much growth was needed from a technical standpoint when he entered the league.

Some of those concerns were answered at Saint Vincent College, but playing in a game setting is a big test for Iheanachor and will be telling when it comes to his prospects of making an impact early in his rookie year.

Should he see the field a decent amount against Buffalo and excel, that could open up the possibility of some real conversations taking place amongst the Steelers' brass when it comes to deciding who to roll with at right tackle in Week 1.

In all likelihood, Pittsburgh will look to build Iheanachor back up and initially give the starting job to Cook before potentially revisiting that decision later in the season.

With how uninspiring Cook and even Jones have been at right tackle this summer, though, Iheanachor making a late surge for that role can't be ruled out.

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