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Steelers rookie Max Iheanachor news
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Steelers rookie Max Iheanachor returned to practice Monday after missing 2½ weeks with a shoulder/neck injury. He made his pro debut Thursday vs. Bills, allowing a sack.
Background
Max Iheanachor, the Steelers' first-round pick (21st overall) out of Arizona State, suffered a shoulder/neck injury during an Aug. 6 training-camp practice. He missed the first two preseason games and returned to practice on Aug. 24. He is listed as the backup right tackle behind Dylan Cook, and the team is developing him on the right side after flipping Troy Fautanu to the left.
How it unfolded
- Aug 6, 2026Iheanachor suffered a shoulder/neck injury during training-camp practice at Saint Vincent.
- Aug 24, 2026Iheanachor returned to practice as a full participant and said he didn't dismiss playing in the preseason finale.
- Aug 27, 2026Iheanachor made his pro debut in the preseason game vs. the Bills, entering in the second quarter at right tackle. He allowed a sack by Andre Jones Jr.
- Aug 29, 2026Film review noted Iheanachor flashed promise despite allowing a sack in his debut.
Who’s saying what
- Analysts
- A scout believes Iheanachor could still win the starting right tackle job despite missing time.
- Caution
- Some analysts caution that one strong game could throw the Steelers' plans into chaos, but his debut showed he's raw.
Still unverified
The exact nature of Iheanachor's injury was undisclosed, though it appeared to be a neck or shoulder ailment.