Pittsburgh Steelers first-round draft pick Max Iheanachor remains sidelined with an upper-body injury and is unlikely to play in the team’s second preseason game, according to comments from head coach Mike McCarthy.
McCarthy updated reporters on the offensive tackle’s status Monday morning.
“He’s making progress. I don’t see him playing this week,” the coach said.
Iheanachor was not scheduled to practice Monday. McCarthy left open the possibility of a return later in the week.
“If he can get in there Wednesday, we’ll see what happens.”
The 22-year-old was selected 21st overall in the 2026 NFL Draft out of Arizona State. He was the fifth offensive tackle taken in the first round that year.
Iheanachor suffered the injury during practice on Aug. 6 and has been limited to individual drills since. He already missed the Steelers’ preseason opener.
Pittsburgh defeated the Green Bay Packers 28-9 in that first exhibition contest. Quarterbacks Drew Allar, Mason Rudolph and Will Howard combined to complete 27 of 33 passes for 313 yards and two touchdowns in the victory.
The Steelers host the New York Jets on Friday in their second preseason game. A third and final exhibition is scheduled for Aug. 27 at the Buffalo Bills.
Training camp and preseason repetitions carry significant value for rookies adjusting to the professional level. Iheanachor, viewed as a longer-term developmental prospect due to his limited college experience, stands to benefit from additional game action before the regular season begins.
The Steelers’ offensive line already features several recent high draft selections, including left tackle Troy Fautanu and center Zach Frazier. Pittsburgh also selected guard Gennings Dunker in the third round this year.
With Iheanachor unavailable, Dylan Cook currently sits atop the depth chart at right tackle. Cook started the first five games of his professional career a year ago. Veteran Spencer Anderson is expected to start at right guard beside him.
On the left side, Fautanu is backed up by former starter Broderick Jones, while Mason McCormick and Frazier anchor the interior. The unit aims to improve after facing challenges protecting quarterback Aaron Rodgers at times last season.
Iheanachor played three seasons at Arizona State after earlier junior college experience. His combination of size and athleticism made him an attractive target despite the projection that he would need time to refine his technique.
Missing additional preseason opportunities would leave the rookie with only one remaining exhibition game to gain live repetitions. The Steelers open the regular season at home against the Atlanta Falcons on Sept. 13.
McCarthy’s comments indicate measured optimism about Iheanachor’s recovery timeline even as the team proceeds cautiously. The coach emphasized ongoing progress while managing the workload carefully heading into the Jets matchup.
Steelers officials have not provided a detailed diagnosis or exact return date beyond the coach’s latest assessment. The organization continues to evaluate the tackle’s readiness on a day-to-day basis as the preseason schedule advances.
