Thousands of players have put on a jersey for the Pittsburgh Steelers over the years. Some end up becoming memorable legends, while others have gotten traded to the team only to not even play a game. One of the more forgotten about players in recent years is offensive lineman, Zach Banner. While he only started two games for the organization in three seasons, he became a fan favorite on social media and as an eligible receiver on offense. Unfortunately, as he was building some momentum and showing strong potential, he tore his ACL at the beginning of the 2020 season.
Former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle, Zach Banner (#72) stretches during NFL football practice, Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2021, in Pittsburgh. | Photo Credit: Matt Freed / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Banner, who began in the NFL with the Cleveland Browns, played a total of 22 games for Pittsburgh. He ended up signing a two-year, $9.5 million deal in the 2021 offseason, despite the knee injury and was expected to be the team's starting right tackle. It didn't turn out exactly as he and the team planned, however. He was released in the 2022 offseason after only playing in seven games in 2021. He hasn't been on a team since.
It's been over a year since Banner was talked about in Pittsburgh. Based on a recent tweet from the big fella, his ACL tear all the way back in 2020 has continued to cause him some issues years later.
I also have been missing for a while, and I want everyone to know I’ve just been working out and training my knee.
— Zach Banner (@ZBNFL) May 4, 2023
I have not retired… Im simply just a bigger man who has needed more time to get past a devastating injury…
That is all, carry on…
NFL fans unfortunately see ACL tears nearly every week during any given season. Everyone's body responds differently and it seems as if Banner wants to be 100% back to normal before stepping on the field again. He showed a ton of potential on the right side and if fully healthy, could provide depth to a number of teams across the league.
Steelers offensive tackle, Zach Banner (#72) leaves the game against the New York Giants with a leg injury at MetLife Stadium on September 14, 2020 in East Rutherford, NJ. | Photo Credit: Brian Cook / Golden Sky Media
Could The Steelers Reach Out To A Healthy Banner?
The Steelers offensive line situation seems pretty rounded out after free agency and the 2023 NFL Draft. That doesn't mean that the front office is completely disinterested in adding to the room and bringing in some depth for training camp. Banner is not going to get an opportunity to start anywhere after missing the entire 2022 season and only playing in eight total games from 2020-2021.
This could be a decent opportunity to bring in a guy who is familiar with the organization and he wouldn't cost a pretty penny, either. If he does find himself on a roster, it will be for the minimum. One would assume that's all he could ask for. His main goal, other than getting healthy, should be to simply have the opportunity in the summer months to display that his knee is fully healed. He would be a long shot to make the Steelers 53-man roster if the two parties were open to a reunion, however.
Steelers offensive lineman, Zach Banner (#72) on the playing surface at Heinz Field during a regular season game in Pittsburgh, PA. | Photo Credit: Matt Freed / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
It has been a sad and upsetting journey for Banner over the last few years. He's an easy guy to root for, so the update from his Twitter account is a refreshing one. Steelers fans everywhere would love to see him on the field again, whether it be with Pittsburgh or not. He deserves another shot.
Would you be open to the Steelers bringing back Banner if he's fully healthy? Let us know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
