The Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1) offensive line has been battered with injuries just four weeks into the season.
Starting center Nate Herbig (shoulder), starting right guard James Daniels (Achilles) and starting right tackle Troy Fautanu (knee) have all suffered season-ending injuries.
So on Tuesday, the Steelers added some much-needed depth to their offensive line, signing veteran offensive lineman Max Scharping.
The former second-round pick in 2019 has been a bit of a journeyman in his NFL career, spending time with the Houston Texans (2019-21), Cincinnati Bengals (2022-23), Philadelphia Eagles (2024) and Washington Commanders (2024) before joining Pittsburgh.
However, he’s providing the Steelers with something they are in dire need of: flexibility.
“I think as of this preseason, I have now played every position on the offensive line,” Scharping said. “So wherever they need me to fill in, I’m gonna do my best to do that.”
Scharping has spent most of his NFL career as an interior offensive lineman, but having the ability to play anywhere is valuable, especially for a team that has lost as many players as Pittsburgh has.
The Steelers did have some good news for their offensive line this week. Head coach Mike Tomlin hinted veteran left guard Isaac Seumalo, who’s been sidelined with a pec injury, could make his return in Week 5.
“He was close last week,” Tomlin stated.
If that’s the case, impressive fourth-round rookie Mason McCormick would likely then slide into Daniels’ position at right guard and Scharping wouldn’t be relied on to start right away.
That’s a good thing with the veteran having some catching up to do.
“It’s really get onboarded as quickly as possible. Learn the offense as quickly as possible and then just get to know the guys,” Scharping added. “Obviously, as an offensive lineman, trust is pretty key when you’re working with four other guys.”
It shouldn’t take the 28-year-old too long to get acquainted to Pittsburgh’s offense, given his experience, but allowing him to do so while not having to play will only help him in the long run.
The Steelers offensive line may be somewhat depleted, but the potential return of Seumalo and addition of Scharping has them still as confident as ever.
“You handle that with quality depth,” Tomlin said when asked how Pittsburgh has handled the multitude of injuries on the offensive line. “Thankfully, that’s something we have.”
The Steelers will hope to finally stay healthy in their Week 5 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys (2-2) on “Sunday Night Football.”
All quotations obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted.
