The Pittsburgh Steelers have been slammed with injuries across the offensive line to start the 2024 season. There has been virtually no consistency when it comes to the unit, and now the news is getting worse for the group. Another player is going to miss the rest of this year's campaign.
%202023%20Camp%20Final%20with%20Logos/2L9A6346-544x306.jpg "Steelers James Daniels")
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers offensive guard James Daniels sets up and gets ready to block during a 2023 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
James Daniels went down in a Week 4 contest against the Indianapolis Colts and ESPN's Jeremy Fowler is reporting that the most consistent piece of the Steelers' offensive line will be on the shelf for the rest of the season due to a torn Achilles tendon.
#Steelers starting guard James Daniels suffered an Achilles tear Sunday against Indy, per source. He will be out for the season. Tough blow for a steady starter up front.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) September 30, 2024
Isaac Seumalo is expected to return from his pectoral injury in Week 5, but now Pittsburgh has issues at the other guard spot. It will likely be rookie Mason McCormick that steps in as the full-time starter. The Steelers will have to go on in the 2024 season without arguably the best run blocker on the line in Daniels.
Steelers.com
Steelers' Mason McCormick speaking to members of the Pittsburgh media during rookie minicamp.
If Seumalo does indeed come back healthy and ready to go in Week 5 against the Dallas Cowboys, McCormick will be expected to slide to right guard while Spencer Anderson acts as the swing tackle. This is yet another devastating blow to a group that was expected to have a nice mix of veteran presence and young talent. Unfortunately, the two most experienced plays in Daniels and Seumalo will not play a snap together in 2024.
Fans were getting excited to have a core in the middle of Seumalo, Zach Frazier and Daniels, but that will no longer come to fruition. Pittsburgh is likely going to have to look at some external options for reinforcements. This is one of the worst case scenarios for the offense, especially as questions surrounding the quarterback position remain.
%202023%20Camp%20Final%20with%20Logos/2L9A9199-544x306.jpg "Steelers Isaac Seumalo")
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter / X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers offensive lineman Isaac Seumalo walks on the field at St. Vincent College as the team works out during a 2023 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Steelers Have Big Task Ahead With Major Offensive Line Troubles
Arthur Smith's offense needs to effectively run the ball to have a chance at having success in other areas. The injuries to the line have made it hard to find footing when it comes to running the ball and opening up the play-action pass. This is another huge blow and Daniels could have played his final snap in the Steel City, as he will enter free agency in 2025 while rehabbing an Achilles tear.
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