For the second consecutive week, the Pittsburgh Steelers went into a game with the unconventional-for-the-NFL intention of running a rotation at one of their positions along the offensive line.
A week after planning on working in Broderick Jones for some series in place of starting right tackle Troy Fautanu, the Steelers found their spots to insert rookie Mason McCormick in at left guard for Sunday’s home opener.
For the third consecutive game to open the season, Spencer Anderson started at left guard in place of an injured Isaac Seumalo — but McCormick was rotated in for certain series during a game in which he was playing on offense in the NFL regular season for the first time.
“I just know I am going be ready for when my number is called,” McCormick said after Sunday’s 20-10 victory against the Los Angeles Chargers, “and I was excited for the opportunity and I know I am ready to handle it.”
McCormick was the Steelers’ fourth-round pick out of South Dakota State. He impressed during training camp, but the Steelers have veteran starters at guard in Seumalo and James Daniels.
But with Seumalo out because of a pectoral injury, Anderson has made his first three NFL starts.
The Steelers already start a rookie at center in Zach Frazier, and first-round pick Fautanu took over at right tackle last week — but Fautanu suffered a knee injury Friday and landed on injured reserve.
That scuttled plans for Jones to serve as the third tackle/tight end in jumbo packages that clearly were part of the game plan against the Chargers. So when Fautanu went down and Jones had to start at right tackle, McCormick was the next man up for the “jumbo” tight end.
McCormick said he was told early in the week that he would be rotated in place of Anderson at times.
Jones back in the lineup
Jones was back at the spot he had filled for 12 consecutive meaningful Steelers games (dating to last season) until last week in Denver: starting right tackle.
On Tuesday, for the first time since the midpoint of last season the Steelers official depth chart did not have Jones with the first team. By Friday, Fautanu’s injury changed things and Jones was back.
“I always come in with the same mentality day-in and day-out,” Jones said, downplaying the rollercoaster of recent weeks.
Jones was flagged three times over a six-snap span soon after entering last week’s victory against the Broncos, earning an immediate benching. On Sunday, he played a clean game in regards to penalties.
