The Pittsburgh Steelers are grappling with another injury setback as they prepare for an important Week 16 clash against the Detroit Lions. The team has announced that starting left guard Isaac Seumalo will not play due to a tricep injury sustained in the previous week”s game against the Miami Dolphins.
Seumalo missed all practice sessions leading up to the game, prompting the Steelers to rule him out on their final injury report. This leaves Spencer Anderson and Andrus Peat as potential replacements for the critical left guard position, raising concerns about how this will affect the team”s offensive strategy.
Anderson has been utilized throughout the season primarily as a jumbo tackle, contributing to a heavier lineup that the Steelers often deploy for their running game. In the last game that Seumalo missed, Peat stepped in as the starter, allowing Anderson to maintain his role in the jumbo package. Peat, who is now fully recovered from a concussion he suffered in Week 14, may also need to serve as a backup left tackle behind Dylan Cook.
Anderson, a former seventh-round draft pick from Maryland, has been viewed as a versatile player with significant potential, having made eight starts in 39 games since his draft in 2023. On the other hand, Peat brings experience as a former Pro Bowler from his time with the New Orleans Saints, which could be invaluable to the Steelers in this matchup. It is likely that both players will see action at left guard.
Seumalo”s injury is just one of several the Steelers are dealing with this week. The team is also missing standout linebacker T.J. Watt, who is recovering from lung surgery following a partially collapsed lung. Additionally, backup linebacker Nick Herbig is sidelined with a hamstring issue, along with starting cornerback James Pierre. Longsnapper Christian Kuntz is listed as questionable due to a knee injury, although the absence of another longsnapper from the practice squad suggests he may still be able to participate.
A victory against the Lions could position the Steelers favorably as they head into the final two games of the season against the Cleveland Browns and the Baltimore Ravens, potentially giving them an edge in the AFC North. However, they will have to navigate this crucial stretch without their top pass-blocking lineman and a key veteran presence on offense.
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