Max Iheanachor preseason
Max Iheanachor preseason
After missing the Pittsburgh Steelers’ first two preseason games, rookie first-round OT Max Iheanachor says he’s ready to play in the team’s preseason finale. Speaking to reporters and shared via ESPN’s Brooke Pryor, Iheanachor said the “plan” is for him to dress Thursday against the Buffalo Bills.
“That’s the plan to play this last one,’ Iheanachor said via Pryor.
Max Iheanachor said the plan is for him to play in Thursday's preseason game.
"I wanted to play since the first preseason, but obviously missing practices and stuff. Couldn't get out there with the guys. So I mean, that's the plan to play this last one."
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) August 24, 2026
Earlier in the day, head coach Mike McCarthy left the door open for Iheanachor to suit up in Buffalo. Pittsburgh having two padded practices this week, today and tomorrow, helps Iheanachor’s cause. Two higher-intensity sessions to shake off rust and determine Iheanachor’s readiness. If all goes well, it sounds like he’ll make his debut later this week.
How many snaps he’ll play remains to be seen and could be dictated by his performance during today and tomorrow’s practice. It seems doubtful Iheanachor will start but he could work as the Steelers’ second-team right tackle. McCarthy indicated that he intends on playing Broderick Jones at left and right tackle Thursday night.
Iheanachor suffered a neck/shoulder injury during training camp. Aside from the occasional light work during individual periods, he had yet to fully return until putting the pads on today.
The question becomes – has Iheanachor missed too much time to push for the starting right tackle job? He briefly impressed during the padded practices he was healthy for, but he’s missed a considerable amount of time for a rookie. Still, Dylan Cook hasn’t run away with the job and Jones doesn’t appear to be in a position to start. If Iheanachor can look as impressive as did during his brief flashes in camp, the door isn’t completely shut on him winning the job out of the gate.
At the least, the fact Iheanachor is tracking towards playing means he should serve as depth to open the season. Should Cook falter or if injuries force the team’s hand, Iheanachor could be next-man-up.
Look for a full breakdown on Iheanachor’s debut shortly after Thursday’s game.
terrible-podcast-2026-august-24-episode-3144
terrible-podcast-2026-august-24-episode-3144