Steelers Max Iheanachor full go at practice, expects to play Thursday

The Pittsburgh Steelers received encouraging news along the offensive line on Monday as first-round pick Max Iheanachor logged a full, padded practice session. Better yet for the Black and Gold, the rookie tackle expects to take the field for the first time this preseason during Thursday’s finale against the Buffalo Bills.

Beat reporter Nick Farabaugh provided the direct update from the young lineman via X after Monday’s practice.

“Max Iheanachor said the plan right now is for him to play Thursday in Buffalo. Added he was a full go in a padded practice today,” shared Farabaugh on X.

Max Iheanachor said the plan right now is for him to play Thursday in Buffalo. Added he was a full go in a padded practice today.

— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) August 24, 2026

The update marks a major milestone in Iheanachor’s return from an upper-body injury that kept him sidelined for nearly three weeks. After missing Pittsburgh’s first two preseason contests against the Houston Texans and New York Jets, the Arizona State product was finally cleared for unrestricted contact. Going “full go” in full pads confirms that his neck and shoulder are holding up under live physical strain.

Getting game reps in Buffalo is critical for the 21st overall selection. Before the injury, Iheanachor demonstrated impressive footwork and raw functional strength during early camp drills, pushing for significant rotational snaps at tackle. However, the extended layoff halted his early momentum and cost him invaluable developmental reps in game-speed environments.

While Iheanachor may start the regular season behind established starters on the depth chart due to missed time, taking the field against the Bills gives the coaching staff a vital final evaluation. Live execution in a game setting will help determine how quickly he can be integrated into the weekly offensive line rotation as the regular season opener approaches.

This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers Max Iheanachor full go at practice, expects to play Thursday