Injury forces Steelers to continue offensive-line turnover

A school of thought heading into this pandemic-affected 2020 NFL season was teams with the most continuity could have the best chance to thrive.

Judging by how it has played out so far, that rationale doesn’t portend success for the Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line.

Although the line played its part in a strong showing by the offense during Monday’s season-opening win, three of the top six members of the unit were injured. Little clarity on the statuses of two of those players came by way of Mike Tomlin’s news conference Tuesday.

With national reports circulating Zach Banner suffered a torn ACL during his debut as the starting right tackle, Tomlin acknowledged Banner will not play in Sunday’s home opener against the Denver Broncos. Later in the day, Banner said in a video posted to his Twitter account he will have surgery Friday.

Last night I showed I belong in this league. I’m very optimistic about the future, and excited to be back stronger and better next year.#HulkSmash pic.twitter.com/F1W2KcNgVW

— Zach Banner (@ZBNFL) September 15, 2020

Tomlin was not as clear about veteran guards David DeCastro and Stefan Wisniewski. DeCastro has not practiced for more than 2½ weeks because of a knee injury. Wisniewski started Monday in his place at right guard but did not finish the game because of a pectoral injury.

If neither Wisniewski nor DeCastro can play against Denver, the right side of the Steelers’ line will be down to their No. 2 tackle and No. 3 guard.

“It could mean opportunity for other deserving and capable men,” Tomlin said.

The opportunity at tackle falls to Chuks Okorafor, who started a game each in 2018 and ‘19 at that position but who lost out in 2019 and ‘20 training-camp competitions for the permanent job. Tomlin repeatedly characterized this camp’s Banner/Okorafor battle as too close to call, so the drop-off in turning to the backup doesn’t figure to be significant.

At right guard, though, the next man up after DeCastro and Wisniewski is a rookie fourth-round pick from Louisiana who had no preseason games or formal summer workouts.

“I’m extremely comfortable with Chuks and his ability to play and his overall readiness,” Tomlin said. “(Kevin) Dotson (the rookie guard) is another story.”

The entirety of Dotson’s pro game experience consists of six snaps Monday. The entirety of his professional practice experience extends all of seven weeks — some of which missed because of a left knee injury.

“There is some angst there,” Tomlin said, “so if he is called upon this week, it is going to take a tremendous effort by him and by us. And by us, I mean us putting him in the very best position to perform, so there is some dual responsibility there.”

The Steelers were awaiting the results of a Tuesday MRI on Wisniewski. Regarding DeCastro, the mystery surrounding the condition of his left knee grew when Tomlin was asked to describe DeCastro’s short- and long-term outlook.

“I don’t know,” Tomlin said. “I’m hopeful he is able to work (Wednesday). We will see.”

The statuses of the injured linemen could affect how much the musical chairs among the positions continues to play out. Four of the five spots were manned by different players Monday than who started the 2019 finale.

It’s possible two more spots will turn over in Week 2, and Tomlin wouldn’t even reject the concept of three. That would come by way of moving Matt Feiler from left guard back to the right tackle spot he manned for 15 games in 2019.

“We are making some moves on the offensive line, so I won’t speculate on what that depth or the pecking order will be until we handle that necessary business,” Tomlin said, “but I do like the play of Matt at guard … Monday. I do know that he is tackle capable, and so I’m sure that will be an element of the discussion at the appropriate time.”

Feiler won a 2019 four-way competition to start at right tackle, beating out Okorafor, Banner and Jerald Hawkins. The Houston Chronicle reported Monday the Steelers were bringing back Hawkins, signing him off the Texans’ practice squad.

“We will make some necessary adjustments and close ranks on a short week,” Tomlin said, “and see where that leaves us.”

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