Steelers' Best Options To Fill In Much-Needed Lineman Depth Before Week 1

The Pittsburgh Steelers have officially wrapped up their preseason as they look to solidify their 53-man roster. They have all kinds of decisions to make, like what to do about their slot corner situation, which receivers should stay on the market, and others. However, the Steelers have been wrecked by injuries, especially on the offensive line. The situation has gotten dire for Omar Khan, and he may have to focus more on free agency and the waiver wire just to make sure he has enough healthy bodies to make it through the season. 

Recently, it was announced that Dylan Cook suffered a major foot injury that may put him on Injured Reserve (IR). Meanwhile, Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu have suffered through lingering injuries all throughout camp, and Jones' play has not been good because of it. 

On the interior, Nate Herbig has already been placed on IR, which resulted in Mason McCormick, the rookie guard, taking snaps at center, and that is not ideal for a project player trying to develop for the future.

The best option for the Steelers could be a former All-Pro tackle in David Bakhtiari. Injuries have taken a toll on him, but when he's healthy, he has been nothing short of elite. He has been either first or second-team All-Pro for five consecutive seasons before his knee started wearing him down. However, he talked about how he received a much-needed surgery to fix the constant issues that have gone on with it. 

Bakhtiari's recent injury history is definitely a concern, but with the lack of healthy bodies in the Steelers' offensive tackle room, it would be worth it to truly see how rejuvenated Bakhtiari and his knee are. Worst-case scenario, he ends up riding the bench and acts as an extra offensive line coach, and the young group in Pittsburgh could benefit from the wisdom of one of the best offensive tackles of his timeframe. 

If his knee is too much of a concern, the Steelers could turn to a two-time Super Bowl champion in Donovan Smith. He had some issues during his recent season with the Kansas City Chiefs, but he could still be a solid depth option. He has played in 136 games throughout his career with the Chiefs and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, so he has a lot of experience as well. Also like Bakhtiari, he could be used as a mentor for all of the youth in the lineup. 

Smith is more than used to run-heavy systems anyways, which the Chiefs leaned towards more when their receivers had trouble catching the ball. If the Steelers do need him to start some games here and there, he should be able to at least act as a quality spot starter. If not, then it will still be nice to know that they have a long-time veteran waiting whenever he's needed. 

Steelers' Internal Option For Offensive Line

Spencer Anderson is seen as a lock to make the final roster, especially after all the injuries that had taken place, but his role may expand. He was supposed to focus on guard for the season, but with all the injuries at center and offensive tackle, he may be the team's first option until players get hurt and/or they can find someone else to come in and fill in as a depth option. 

Anderson was drafted in the seventh round of the 2023 draft as a lineman that could play all five positions if needed. He could fill in at center or either tackle spot if he's called upon. It's a good thing that the Steelers have that kind of versatility available to them, because they desperately need it at this point.

They will also make sure to have guys ready on the practice squad just in case they need to be called up. Guys like Ryan McCollum and TyKeem Doss will most likely be kept around on the practice squad, as long as other teams don't claim them off waivers. Even with all that in mind, Khan may have to scout out the waiver wire for some more options.

What do you think about the Steelers' situation at offensive line? Who would fill in nicely in this current scenario? Let us know in the comments.

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