Steelers’ Left Tackle Crisis Looms Large as Playoff Push Heats Up
The Pittsburgh Steelers are sitting atop the AFC North after a gritty Week 14 win over the Ravens in Baltimore-a victory that gives them control of their postseason destiny. But while the standings say one thing, the depth chart tells a far more concerning story. As the Steelers gear up for the final stretch of the 2025 season, a critical weakness is threatening to derail their playoff hopes: left tackle.
Let’s not sugarcoat it-Pittsburgh’s offensive line is in trouble. And it’s not just about performance. It’s about availability.
Injuries Hit Hard at the Worst Possible Time
It all started when 2023 first-round pick Broderick Jones went down with a neck injury that landed him on injured reserve. That was a big blow. Jones had been developing into a key piece of the Steelers’ front five, and his absence left a noticeable void on the blind side.
Then came Week 14. Veteran swing tackle Andrus Peat, who had stepped in admirably, suffered a head injury and entered concussion protocol. Just to pile on, Calvin Anderson-another depth option-was placed on IR ahead of the Steelers’ Monday Night Football matchup against the Dolphins.
Now? The Steelers are down to their last line of protection-literally.
Meet Dylan Cook: The Next Man Up
That brings us to Dylan Cook. A name most fans probably didn’t expect to hear in a starting context this season, Cook made his NFL debut in Week 14. And now, unless Peat clears concussion protocol in time, Cook could be tasked with starting at left tackle on Monday night.
It’s a tough ask. Cook has been around the organization, but he’s never been thrust into a moment quite like this. And with the Dolphins’ pass rush looming, this isn’t the time to be testing the waters.
This is the kind of depth crisis that can change the trajectory of a season. Just ask the Chargers.
After losing both Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater, their offense fell apart. In Week 14, Justin Herbert was sacked seven times and managed just 139 passing yards on 41 dropbacks.
When protection collapses, the entire offense follows.
Offensive Line Struggles Are Already Showing
Even with Aaron Rodgers playing some of his best football of the season, the Steelers can’t rely on quarterback magic alone-especially if the pocket keeps collapsing. Without Jones anchoring the left side, the run game has sputtered.
Over the last two games, Pittsburgh has totaled just 92 rushing yards on 35 carries. That’s a paltry 2.6 yards per attempt-nowhere near good enough to control the clock or keep defenses honest.
And that’s the thing about offensive lines: it’s not just about one guy. It’s five players working in unison.
One weak link, especially at a position as crucial as left tackle, can throw the entire operation off. Missed assignments, blown protections, stalled drives-it all starts up front.
The Stakes Are High
The Steelers have clawed their way into first place in one of the NFL’s most competitive divisions. They’ve got a shot to host a playoff game and make a real run. But that opportunity hinges on whether this offensive line can hold together-at least enough to give Rodgers time and the run game a chance to breathe.
Right now, that’s a big question mark. With Jones out, Peat in protocol, and Anderson on IR, Pittsburgh is staring down a depth chart that’s running out of names.
The Steelers have fought hard to get to this point in the season. But if they can’t patch up their protection issues-especially at left tackle-their postseason dreams might not last long.