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.
The Steelers listed Seumalo as 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 a 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 also an’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.
The Steelers running game started very 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. The formation appeared to help open up new possibilities for the Pittsburgh offense.
But Anderson replaced Seumalo at left guard when the starter hasn’t been available the past three weeks. That has somewhat limited Pittsburgh’s ability to use its jumbo package.
The Steelers tried 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 contest.
The Bengals don’t have an elite run defense. But Seumalo getting back in the lineup, which would allow Anderson to return into his No. 6 role, could be a key factor for the Steelers in Week 11.
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 ailment.
But if Jones also misses or is limited in practice Thursday or Friday, then the left tackle’s status is going to become more concerning.
Should Jones have to miss Week 11, Calvin Anderson could receive his first starting opportunity this season.
In the six games this season, 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.
Las Vegas — Following the announcement of his engagement to longtime girlfriend, model, and social media influencer Jasmine Brooks, Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers has become the subject of an unexpected storm of public scrutiny. Fans, critics, and even fellow celebrities have taken to social media to weigh in on the news, leading to a whirlwind of discussions about race, privilege, and societal views on relationships.
In a rare press conference at the Raiders’ training facility, Bowers addressed the controversy directly, offering a candid response to the public backlash.
“I’ve read the posts. I’ve seen the comments. But here’s the truth: I don’t see color,” Bowers said, his voice steady and resolute. “Jasmine has been by my side through thick and thin — the highs, the lows, and even the moments when nobody was looking. My love for her isn’t defined by race, it’s defined by the connection we have, the trust, and the life we’re creating together.”
The engagement, revealed just weeks ago with a beautiful ring and an emotional social media post, quickly went viral. While many fans celebrated the moment, some critics took issue with the couple’s dynamic, sparking debates on platforms across the internet. What began as a conversation within the realm of sports soon spiraled into broader cultural conversations about love, public opinion, and personal freedom.
Known for his unwavering commitment to both football and his personal life, Bowers made it clear that no amount of social media drama would distract him from what truly matters.
“People will always have their opinions, and that’s okay,” he continued. “But I know who I am, I know what I stand for, and I know the woman I’m marrying. At the end of the day, that’s all that matters.”
Jasmine Brooks, who has remained supportive throughout the whirlwind, also addressed the media briefly, echoing Bowers’ sentiments. “Brock and I have built something real, something lasting. Our love is defined by us, not by what people say online,” she stated.
In response to the controversy, fans of the couple have rallied in support, flooding Bowers’ posts with messages of admiration and love. Hashtags like #BrockAndJasmine, #TrueLoveInVegas, and #NoHateJustLove quickly gained traction, trending nationwide.
As Bowers turns his attention to the upcoming NFL season, it’s evident that he won’t allow any external negativity to divert his focus. His statement not only addressed the backlash but solidified his position as a leader who speaks with honesty, integrity, and heart — both on and off the field.
One thing is clear: Brock Bowers’ engagement is now as much a topic of conversation as his game-day performances. Through it all, he’s showing that some battles are best fought with courage and conviction, not controversy.