What happens to the Steelers’ jumbo package if Spencer Anderson has to start for Isaac Seumalo?
While Spencer Anderson has starting experience for the Steelers, he has carved out a niche in their “jumbo” package. As an extra lineman, he has proven to be an asset to the run game—and even caught a pass. Should he have to start for an injured Isaac Seumalo, what would that do to the package?
The Steelers have already run the jumbo package with Anderson on dozens of snaps this season, with more to come. But if Seumalo can’t go on Sunday, how will they adjust? Will they put it on ice, or replace him with another lineman? Will they use it as frequently?
When Seumalo exited the game on Sunday and Anderson kicked inside, the Steelers ran a couple snaps with Ryan McCollum as the extra lineman in the jumbo package. My guess is that is not their ideal Plan B, but they do have Calvin Anderson and Andrus Peat. They even added a lineman to the practice squad this week who has some history as a tackle eligible.
For a look that has been so effective, it’s hard to imagine the Steelers would sideline the jumbo package. But what they have to determine is how important Spencer Anderson was to its success. Did it work because he was a good option, and how significant is the drop-off to Calvin Anderson or Peat?
Seumalo suffered a pec strain on Sunday, but his status for Sunday remains unclear. That area of the body is always a cause for concern, and he missed the first month of last season due to a pec injury. Obviously, it sounds like this one isn’t as severe, but his participation this week is hardly guaranteed.
One of Pittsburgh’s biggest problems this year has just been maintaining and controlling possession. The Steelers would like to run the ball and control the clock that way, and Spencer Anderson in the jumbo package has helped that to some degree. It’s a look that they like, but do they believe in anybody else enough to carry out that assignments?
After another disappointing season and months of retooling, the Steelers are set to try it all again in 2025. Though they limped into the playoffs, they once again embarrassed themselves therein.
Just like last year, the biggest question hanging over the Steelers isthe quarterback question. They settled in on Aaron Rodgers, but we still have a lot to learn about him. The2025 NFL Draft class could play a big role, but veteran additions like Jalen Ramsey will be paramount.
Now we are in the regular season. From Rodgers to George Pickens to Minkah Fitzpatrick and Ramsey, we’ve seen the Steelers make some big changes. Now it’s about evaluating the roster in place and figuring out how it all works out.
Recommended for you