Preparation at left guard paying off for Spencer Anderson as he moves into starting role for Steelers

A call Spencer Anderson received this summer from a Pittsburgh Steelers coach might have changed his career trajectory.

Anderson had played all five spots on the offensive line in college at Maryland, and he dabbled with playing the interior and exterior spots after making the Steelers roster as a seventh-round draft pick in 2023.

Such versatility is invaluable along the offensive line. Yet the Steelers wanted Anderson to concentrate on one spot for his second NFL season.

That decision likely paved the way for Anderson to make his Steelers starting debut Sunday in the season opener against Atlanta. With veteran Isaac Seumalo injuring a pectoral muscle on the final day of practice last week, the Steelers will turn to Anderson to start at left guard.

“It’s definitely something I’ve prepared for because that’s what I mainly played all camp,” said Anderson, who confirmed he took first-team snaps at left guard in practice Monday. “If something happens, and I need to go to tackle, I’ve prepared for that, too. It’s being light on my feet and being ready to work if the opportunity comes.”

The Steelers appreciate Anderson’s can-do attitude and his willingness to man multiple spots on the offensive line. He increased his reps as a center option after Nate Herbig suffered a season-ending shoulder injury. He has practiced and played right tackle in games.

But perhaps sensing a need for help at both guard spots, which are manned by veterans Seumalo and James Daniels, the Steelers asked him to alter his focus.

Over the summer, one of his coaches — Anderson would not reveal his identity — phoned him with a question.

“I was enjoying the offseason, and he asked what position I’m focusing on,” Anderson said. “I said guard. He said, ‘I just want to see where your mind is at.’ ”

The message dovetailed with what Anderson was told by coach Mike Tomlin in spring workouts. He was a guard first and foremost.

When the Steelers reported to training camp, Anderson began taking most of his snaps at guard and a majority of those on the left side. Although Seumalo started all 17 games last season for the second year in a row, he had played in 12 games over the previous two seasons and had lasted 16 games just once over his first six NFL seasons.

Seumalo received more days off from practice in training camp than all other starting offensive linemen combined, and Anderson typically slid into the first-team rotation. Anderson started at left guard in the preseason opener and replaced Seumalo there in the final two preseason games before taking snaps at right guard and right tackle.

On Sunday, Anderson will be one of two players on the offensive line making his first NFL start. Rookie center Zach Frazier is the other. Another rookie, Mason McCormick, is expected to be Anderson’s backup.

“I’ve got full faith in Spence,” said left tackle Dan Moore, who will line up next to Anderson against Atlanta. “He’s shown a lot of progression since his rookie year. Stepping up this year, continually being what we need him to be, he’s been getting better. It was good that Isaac was down a lot of days in camp to allow Spencer and me to get some reps together.”

When Anderson was at Maryland, an injury on the offensive line necessitated a switch from right tackle to guard. Anderson initially balked at the request to change positions.

“I was like, ‘I’m a tackle,’ ” he said. “Then, I liked it. There is less space inside, everything happens faster and you go against equal (sized) athletes and not speedy guys. I didn’t like it at first, but, obviously, it was the best thing for me, and I’ve taken it personally to make (the position) my own.”

Moore can relate to what Anderson will experience Sunday when his first start comes in the season opener. Four years ago, the former fourth-round pick was thrust into the lineup at left tackle, a spot he hasn’t ceded.

“There is definitely going to be an emphasis on communication,” Moore said. “With him being a young guy, his first road game, you have to overemphasize stuff like that. I know when we get in a game it’s going to be like second nature to him.”