Steelers' Offensive Line Depth Tested Again as Andrus Peat Exits with Injury
BALTIMORE - The Steelers' offensive line just can't catch a break. Already down multiple starters, Pittsburgh took another hit on Sunday when veteran left tackle Andrus Peat left the game in the third quarter with a possible concussion.
Peat, protecting Aaron Rodgers’ blindside, went down after a 12-yard completion on second-and-17 from the Steelers’ 13-yard line. He sat on the turf for a few moments before slowly getting to his feet and walking off under his own power.
Moments later, he was seen heading to the blue medical tent before ultimately making his way to the locker room without his helmet - never a great sign. The team later announced he was being evaluated for a concussion and was questionable to return.
With Peat out, Dylan Cook stepped in at left tackle - a critical position, especially when you're protecting a quarterback like Rodgers who thrives on timing and pocket presence. At the time of Peat’s exit, the Steelers had thrown for 204 yards and rushed for 31, showing signs of offensive rhythm despite the patchwork line.
This is the latest blow to a line that's been in flux. Starting left tackle Broderick Jones has been sidelined since suffering a neck injury in the loss to the Bears two weeks ago.
Then came another setback when Calvin Anderson injured his knee during practice on Wednesday. That left Peat, an 11-year vet and former first-round pick, as the next man up - and now even he’s uncertain moving forward.
Peat’s experience has been invaluable in recent weeks. Drafted 13th overall back in 2015, he spent nine seasons anchoring the Saints’ line before a brief stint with the Raiders last year. His presence gave the Steelers some much-needed stability at a position that's been anything but stable this season.
Still, even with the injuries piling up, Rodgers and the offense kept pushing. Just a few plays after Peat left the field, Rodgers connected with Jaylen Warren for a 38-yard touchdown strike that extended Pittsburgh’s lead to 27-16. It was a reminder that even when the protection isn’t perfect, Rodgers can still make magic happen.
But moving forward, the Steelers’ depth in the trenches is going to be tested - again. Losing Peat, even temporarily, puts even more pressure on a reshuffled group that’s already operating with little margin for error.
And with the playoff race heating up, keeping Rodgers upright becomes priority No. 1.
For now, all eyes are on Peat’s status. The Steelers can’t afford to lose another key piece on the offensive line - not with December football ramping up and every snap carrying playoff implications.