The Steelers have one fewer offensive line option now, and the timing could hardly be worse.
Rookie third-round guard Gennings Dunker was placed on Injured Reserve on Saturday, according to NFL reporter Tom Pelissero, and he is expected to miss the next 4-6 weeks with an MCL sprain he suffered during practice this week. Dunker had already been inactive for Pittsburgh’s first two games, so the move doesn’t change the short-term lineup picture. But with the way the right side of the line has looked, his path to snaps may have been getting closer.
That’s especially true at right guard, where Spencer Anderson has struggled and is also dealing with a foot injury. The Steelers do have a veteran alternative in Brock Hoffman if they want to try something different, but Dunker was the rookie many believed could eventually become the answer there.
The injury also shuts down any immediate idea of a full youth movement up front. When Dunker and fellow rookie offensive lineman Max Iheanachor were drafted, plenty of fans imagined a starting five built entirely from rookie-contract players: Dunker, Iheanachor, Zach Frazier, Mason McCormick and Troy Fautanu.
Instead, Pittsburgh has leaned on Anderson and veteran Dylan Cook on the right side, while moving Fautanu and McCormick to the left. The result has been underwhelming.
Cook has been serviceable, but he also looks like a player with clear limits and little upside. Iheanachor may have a shot to take that job soon, but Dunker was the more intriguing long-term piece at guard.
Even so, it’s fair to question whether Dunker was truly on the verge of passing Anderson or Hoffman before the injury. His run blocking already stood out, but his pass protection was shaky in training camp and the preseason. He’s still adjusting after moving inside to guard after playing tackle at Iowa, so it wouldn’t have been a surprise if the Steelers decided he simply wasn’t ready.
And with Aaron Rodgers already needing better protection from the current group, Mike McCarthy and the offensive staff likely weren’t eager to make a risky change if it could make things worse. Now, though, Dunker’s setback may keep him off the field entirely in 2026, which would only add to a rough recent run for the Steelers’ third-round picks.
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Jordan Rodgers Just Reignited The Steelers Aaron Rodgers Debate
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Steelers Backfield Plan Just Got More Interesting For Bengals Game
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Doneiko Slaughter was also brought up again, marking his third elevation and using up his practice squad call-up limit. For a team trying to keep its roster flexible this early in the season, the additions suggest Pittsburgh is still sorting out who will be available and how it wants to manage depth heading into a division game that could demand more from the backfield than originally expected. [Read more 🡒]