Steelers’ Isaac Seumalo will not play vs. Chargers; Spencer Anderson to start at LG

No more Mr. Eligible for Mr. Anderson. On Sunday, at least, call him Mr. Starting Left Guard.

Spencer Anderson will get his first start of the season on the offensive line, and it will come on “Sunday Night Football.” Via the status report released Friday, the Pittsburgh Steelers ruled starting left guard Isaac Seumalo out for Sunday’s matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Seumalo, who could not finish either of the Steelers’ past two games because of a pectoral injury, did not practice all week.

“I’m just ready when my number’s called,” said Anderson, who is in his third season with the Steelers. “I’ve equated it to preseason. Isaac was (often) not practicing, and I’m running with the first team. And then in preseason games, he’s not dressing, and I go out there with the (starters) and then do what I do and then come out.

“So, I mean, it’s kind of always the same way in what you do, be it the (starting) group or the second group. It has always been just preparing for the opportunity.”

Anderson made five starts at guard last season (including playoffs) and has filled in to finish games for Seumalo this season. When he’s not doing that, Anderson has played as the “jumbo” tight end (which necessitates reporting to an official as an eligible receiver) in a package that has been effective for the Steelers — and highlighted Anderson’s athletic skill set. (He even has a reception).

That role this week could fall to veteran Calvin Anderson (no relation). But Sunday, Spencer Anderson will be playing every snap on the interior. And with Seumalo a pending free agent this upcoming offseason, it could be an audition for the full-time role in 2026.

“If I get the opportunity,” he said, “I’ve got to make the most of it.”

3 others out

Receiver Scotty Miller (finger), inside linebacker Cole Holcomb (illness) and safety Jabrill Peppers (quadriceps) also were officially deemed out for Sunday. Each also missed this past Sunday’s win against the Indianapolis Colts, and none took part in practice this week.

Listed on the status report as “questionable” are the two players on the injured reserve list: quarterback Will Howard and cornerback Cory Trice Jr. Howard is in his third week of practice after recovering from a finger injury suffered during training camp. He must be activated to the 53-man roster by the middle of next week.

Trice’s designation is curious because he has not practiced in more than a week and suffered an apparent separate injury (to a knee) than the one (to a hamstring) that has him on IR.

Washington, Highsmith OK

Outside linebacker Alex Highsmith made it through a full practice for the first time this week on Friday and was given the official green light to face the Chargers despite an ankle injury. Tight end Darnell Washington (foot) also is cleared despite missing Wednesday’s practice.

Safety Chuck Clark is good to go Sunday after missing the Colts game because of illness.

Star edge rusher T.J. Watt did not practice Friday but will play.

“We just switched the ‘vet day’ (off) around this week with the West Coast travel,” Watt explained.

Many veterans are excused by coach Mike Tomlin each week from Wednesday’s or Thursday’s practices.