Just when it appears the Steelers were getting their act together up front, they might have to deal with a new cast of actors on their offensive line.
The Steelers could be down to third options at left tackle and center Sunday, which follows with the pattern established over the course of the year.
“We’ll make do as we always do,” coach Mike Tomlin said, via Alan Robinson of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.”We acknowledge that there are some issues in that area we’re working on.”
Left tackle Kelvin Beachum (knee) is questionable this week, and backup Mike Adams is also iffy with an ankle problem. That could leave journeyman Guy Whimper protecting Ben Roethlisberger’s blind side.
And with Maurkice Pouncey’s replacement Fernando Velasco out for the rest of the year with a torn Achilles, Cody Wallace will start at center.
Right guard David DeCastro is also dealing with a foot sprain.
Despite all that, the Steelers have been protecting better, as Roethlisberger hasn’t taken a sack in the last two games. Considering he took 36 in the first 10 games, maybe having a MASH unit in front of him was what he needed.