Breaking News: Pittsburgh Steelers Introduce a Promising Freshman to Their Starting Offensive Lineup.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing to give rookie guard Mason McCormick his first career start against the Indianapolis Colts. Drafted in the fourth round from South Dakota State, McCormick played only 38 percent of the snaps in the game against the Los Angeles Chargers, but that performance was sufficient to secure the starting position over Spencer Anderson.
Starting left guard Isaac Seumalo was ruled out on Saturday due to a pectoral injury after being labeled doubtful. Anderson had been the starter for the first three games of the season but faced difficulties, leading the Steelers to implement a rotation at left guard. McCormick is also utilized as an extra offensive lineman in the team’s jumbo package.
With South Dakota State on a bye week, some of McCormick’s friends from Chicago will be attending the game, and his family is making the trip from South Dakota as well. After a slow start to the season, the Steelers are seeking to invigorate their run game.
They found some success in the fourth quarter of their victory over the Chargers, averaging over six yards per carry during that period. McCormick is expected to bring additional energy to the lineup and fits well within Arthur Smith’s offensive scheme.
He will primarily face Colts veteran defensive lineman Grover Stewart, as star pass rusher DeForest Buckner is sidelined due to a high ankle sprain.