Backup offensive linemen don’t get the most love on NFL teams, but some are essential pieces to an offense’s success. Take Spencer Anderson of the Pittsburgh Steelers, for example. While Anderson isn’t a starter, he’s helped the Steelers’ offense get going this year. Along with Darnell Washington, he’s helped bring life to Pittsburgh’s run game. Also, Anderson caught a pass in the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers. Some people might’ve been surprised to see the Steelers bust that play out so early, but not DK Metcalf.
“No, it didn’t,” Metcalf said Wednesday via the team’s website. “Because, at practice, [Aaron Rodgers] kept throwing it to him. So, I was like, ‘Here’s [Anderson’s] throw.'”
Anderson’s catch actually came on the Steelers’ second play of the game. Usually, teams save that kind of trick play for closer to the end zone. Instead, the Steelers gave Anderson a chance early, picking up four yards on 2nd and 7. Overall, it was a successful play.
However, there were some hints that the Steelers were planning to use Anderson in their passing game. Previously, Mike Tomlin praised Anderson’s athletic background. Also, Rodgers talked about how good Anderson’s hands are. He also said he’d like to get the offensive lineman a touchdown.
That lines up with Metcalf saying that Rodgers wasn’t shy about throwing the ball to Anderson in practice. Clearly, that paid off. Considering that he’s an offensive lineman, Anderson’s catch was pretty smooth.
We’ll see if that’s the last time the Steelers give Anderson a shot as a pass catcher. While it sounds like he should get more chances, he likely won’t be in a position to be an eligible receiver for the foreseeable future.
Starting guard Isaac Seumalo suffered an injury in Week 8 that could likely cause him to miss time. That puts Anderson in line to take his spot in the starting lineup. Therefore, he won’t be able to enter the game as the Steelers’ sixth offensive lineman, taking pass-catching off the table.
However, Anderson likely isn’t too upset about that. Any time Seumalo misses will allow him to prove himself as a starter. In the past, Anderson has stepped up well when called upon. He’s been an asset as part of the Steelers’ jumbo package. While his role will be different, he’ll still have a chance to impact the game. Hopefully, he gets another shot at being a receiver later in the season.
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