Already down a few spots on their depth chart at left tackle, now the Pittsburgh Steelers must simultaneously deal with attrition at the position right next to it.
Starting left guard Isaac Seumalo will miss Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions after not practicing all week, according to the league-mandated status report released Friday. Seumalo came out of Monday’s win against the Miami Dolphins during the second half because of a triceps injury and will miss a game for the second time this season.
The Steelers started a fourth left tackle Monday — Dylan Cook — with Broderick Jones and Calvin Anderson on injured reserve and Andrus Peat out with a concussion. Peat, though, was cleared to play in Detroit after practicing on a limited basis all week.
While the team made no formal announcement, it is expected that for the Lions game Cook gets his second career start and that Spencer Anderson steps in for Seumalo. Peat, though, will take over at times at left guard for plays in which Anderson is deployed as a “jumbo” tight end.
Frazier, others OK
The Steelers avoided further attrition on their offensive line when starting center Zach Frazier was given the official green light Friday. Frazier was added to the injury report Thursday because of a triceps injury that prevented him from practicing that day and had him limited Friday.
Two others who were added to the injury report Thursday — starting defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (ankle) and safety Jabrill Peppers (illness) — returned to full practice Friday and will play Sunday.
No Pierre
Cornerback James Pierre will miss a second consecutive game because of a calf injury. He did not practice all week. Asante Samuel Jr. will start at outside cornerback for a second straight game.
The Steelers will also again be without outside linebacker T.J. Watt (lung) — and his top backup, Nick Herbig, is doubtful because of a hamstring injury suffered in the game against the Dolphins.
Long snapper Christian Kuntz is questionable because of a knee injury suffered this week. If he cannot go, Pitt and Central Catholic alum Cal Adomitis will make his Steelers debut just two days after signing to the practice squad Friday.
Harmon, others cleared
As coach Mike Tomlin strongly hinted during his news conference Tuesday, rookie starting defensive lineman Derrick Harmon will return to the lineup after missing the past three games because of a knee injury. Harmon is a Detroit native.
Also officially cleared despite being listed on the injury report were quarterback Aaron Rodgers (wrist) and receiver/special teamer Ben Skowronek (illness/hand).
Starting safety Kyle Dugger was excused from practice Friday because of a personal issue, but he was given no status designation and therefore will play in Detroit on Sunday.
