Steelers to debut new right side of O-line; rookie OT Max Iheanachor starts
Pittsburgh shakes up its offensive line with first-round rookie Max Iheanachor making his starting debut at right tackle and Brock Hoffman at right guard
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The Steelers will feature an entirely new right side of their offensive line this week, with first-round rookie tackle Max Iheanachor making his debut as a starter.
Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet): The #Steelers will feature an entirely new right side of their O-line this week, with first-round rookie OT Max Iheanachor making his debut as a starter, sources say. In addition, Brock Hoffman will be at right guard. It all starts up front.
Iheanachor, the team's top draft pick, will start at right tackle, with Brock Hoffman at right guard. The shakeup comes as Pittsburgh looks to stabilize a line that has dealt with issues in the early going.
"It all starts up front," the team's messaging has been, and the move signals a commitment to the rookie. Iheanachor was a highly touted prospect out of the draft, and the Steelers are now trusting him with a starting role in a key AFC matchup.
The change gives Pittsburgh a new look on the right side as it faces the Bengals. With the offensive line a focus of the early-season conversation, the debut of the first-round pick is a significant development for the unit's long-term direction.