Why 1st-Round OT Max Iheanachor Will Likely Miss Steelers’ Preseason Opener vs. Packers originally appeared on SportsNet Pittsburgh.
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With Aaron Rodgers and a collection of other big pieces returning, the 2026 Steelers will once again feature plenty of veteran talent as Mike McCarthy takes over at the helm. But Pittsburgh does have a few intriguing young players who could be highlighted this preseason.
Former Big Ten stars Will Howard and Drew Allar could be competing for the Steelers’ long-term quarterback job, while second-round rookie wide receiver Germie Bernard also has a shot to become a difference-maker for the offense.
However, no Pittsburgh rookie is going to carry higher long-term expectations than the team’s first-rounder out of Arizona State, offensive tackle Max Iheanachor. But McCarthy said Tuesday that it’s looking unlikely Iheanachor will be able to take the field for Week 1 of the preseason.
Here’s the latest on Iheanchor’s status and when he could make his Steelers debut.
Max Iheanachor Injury Updates
The specific nature of Iheanachor’s injury situation is unclear, but the rookie tackle left practice early last week. McCarthy then said Friday that he expected the first-round pick to return early this week.
“He won’t go today,” McCarthy said, per NBC Sports. “I think we might not see him until Monday, but he’s OK.
However, for the most part, that was not the case. Iheanachor initially remained out of practice on Monday with McCarthy not providing a timetable for his return, though the offensive lineman was spotted in pads doing a few reps.
Despite McCarthy saying Iheanachor would NOT practice, he’s out on the field in pads and just took an individual rep. https://t.co/8az2fvSpbOpic.twitter.com/8qS62PEv3O
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) August 10, 2026
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On Tuesday morning, McCarthy spoke about Iheanachor’s status for Week 1 of the preseason, with the Steelers set to face the Packers on Thursday. Based on the head coach’s comments, the Steelers’ young offensive tackle will have to wait at least one more week to make his team debut in official action.
“He’s just working his way back,” McCarthy said. “He’s making progress. I do not see him playing Thursday night, but he’s getting close.”
Mike McCarthy on Max Iheanachor: “He won’t play Thursday but he’s getting close.” pic.twitter.com/8HJLeaoGFw
— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) August 11, 2026
Considering Iheanachor was able to take some reps during Monday’s practice, his injury isn’t expected to linger for long. But Steelers fans will have to wait until at least Week 2 of the preseason to catch their first-round rookie in action.
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