The Pittsburgh Steelers just took another hit to their offensive line depth, and the timing couldn’t be worse. Calvin Anderson, who’s been the team’s go-to swing tackle this season, is headed to injured reserve after suffering a knee injury in practice. That ends his regular season, and it leaves Pittsburgh scrambling for answers in the trenches.
Anderson’s absence is more than just a depth concern-it’s a real blow to a unit that’s already been dealing with its fair share of attrition. Starting left tackle Broderick Jones is also on IR after going down with a neck injury against the Bears. That’s two key tackles sidelined as the Steelers gear up for one of their biggest games of the year.
To help fill the void, Pittsburgh has signed Dylan Cook to the active roster. And depending on Andrus Peat’s status-he’s currently in concussion protocol-Cook could find himself starting at left tackle on Monday night. That’s a tall task, especially with the Miami Dolphins and their aggressive front seven waiting in prime time.
Anderson’s versatility made him a valuable piece for the Steelers. He wasn’t just a backup-he was the kind of player who could step in at either tackle spot and keep the offense moving. Losing that kind of flexibility this late in the season is tough, especially with playoff implications on the line.
For most of the year, Pittsburgh had managed to stay relatively healthy. But as the season grinds on and the games get more physical, the injury bug has started to bite. Anderson is just the latest name added to a growing list.
Now, with a pivotal AFC showdown against Miami on Monday Night Football, the Steelers are walking a fine line. They’re still in the thick of the playoff hunt, trying to hold off the surging Ravens in a crowded AFC race. But to do that, they’ll need to find answers-and fast-on an offensive line that’s suddenly looking thin.
It’s gut-check time in Pittsburgh. The margin for error is shrinking, and every snap matters.