Isaac Seumalo
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Pittsburgh Steelers left guard Isaac Seumalo returned to practice Wednesday after missing Week 10 because of a pectoral injury.
The Pittsburgh Steelers had several defensive players not on the field at practice Wednesday. The team also had a new injury development to watch along the offensive line. But the good news at Wednesday’s practice for the Steelers was starting left guard Isaac Seumalo was back on the field.
Steelers called Seumalo a limited participant. It was the first time, though, Seumalo practiced since before Week 9.
The left guard missed Sunday’s matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers because of a pectoral injury. Seumalo also exited the previous two games with pectoral issue.
When Seumalo hasn’t been on the field the past three weeks, the Steelers offense hasn’t been as effective on the ground. The unit has missed Seumalo at left guard, but in his absence, the team can’t as effectively run its jumbo package.
Therefore, getting back the starting left guard would give the Steelers a big boost for their critical Week 11 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Steelers’ Isaac Seumalo Returns to Practice
The Steelers running game started slowly at the beginning of the season, averaging 63 rushing yards per contest in the first three weeks. However, from Weeks 4-7, the Steelers posted 126 rushing yards per contest.
Week 4 was when the Steelers began using their jumbo package with sixth offensive lineman, Spencer Anderson and 300-pound tight end Darnell Washington on the field at the same time. The formation appeared to help open up new possibilities for the Pittsburgh offense.
But Anderson has replaced Seumalo at left guard when the starter hasn’t been available the past three weeks. That has limited Pittsburgh’s ability to use its jumbo package.
The Steelers try to deploy veteran Andrus Peat as a sixth offensive lineman in Week 10. The team, though, only trusted Peat for eight offensive snaps after he committed a false start on the first play of the game.
Pittsburgh hasn’t rushed for more than 93 yards in any game since Seumalo has been dealing with his pectoral injury. Over the past three weeks, the Steelers are averaging just 68 rushing yards per game.
The Bengals don’t have an elite run defense. But Seumalo getting back in the lineup, which would allow Anderson to slide back into his No. 6 role, could be a key factor for the Steelers in Week 11.
Steelers’ Broderick Jones Misses Practice With Groin Injury
Seumalo back at practice, even in limited fashion Wednesday, gives the Steelers hope that the team will have its regular offensive line lineup in Week 11. Of course, that assumes the other four starters also play, along with Seumalo.
That appears to be in doubt. Starting left tackle Broderick Jones sat out Wednesday’s practice because of a groin injury.
Head coach Mike Tomlin didn’t address Jones’ injury to the media Tuesday. So, it might not be a serious injury.
But if Jones also misses or is limited in practice Thursday or Friday, then it will be a little more concerning with the left tackle.
Should Jones have to miss Week 11, Calvin Anderson could receive his first opportunity this season.
In the six games where he has played this year, Calvin Anderson has only played on special teams. But he has six years of NFL experience.
Peat could also be an option for the Steelers at left tackle. That, though, could depend on if Pittsburgh also anticipates missing Seumalo in Week 11.
How much the two starting linemen on the left side of Pittsburgh’s offensive line participate in practice is a story line entering the latter part of the week.