First-round offensive tackle Max Iheanachor has returned to the field at practice. But he probably won’t be on the field for the team’s first preseason contest Thursday night.
That’s what Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy indicated while speaking to reporters Tuesday morning.
“I think what he accomplished yesterday kind of tells you where he is,” McCarthy said, via TribLive.com’s Chris Adamski. “We used the individual drills to see what he can do. He’s just working his way back.
“It’s just like any return from injury, there’s a strength component that we’re trying to get over. There are some things we want to see him do in his pads and with a helmet on. He’s making progress.
“I do not see him playing Thursday night, but he’s getting close.”
Iheanachor left the practice field last Thursday. Team insiders reported that along the sideline, the medical staff evaluated the offensive tackle’s neck and shoulder area. Iheanachor then walked into the team’s locker room presumably for more evaluation.
The following day, McCarthy told reporters the tackle was “ok” but wouldn’t be back until Monday. Iheanachor fulfilled that prognosis getting back on the field Monday.
The Steelers selected Iheanachor at No. 21 overall in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. He is competing for the starting right tackle job to start the regular season.
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