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.
The Detroit Lions public relations department has been working overtime with the number of records and accolades they’ve shared about their starting quarterback, Jared Goff, over the last few weeks.
Most recently, Goff accumulated even more history-breaking moments against the Washington Commanders in a 44-22 blowout of their NFC opponent on the road.
Goff’s 320-yard performance, along with three touchdowns, helped improve the Lions record to 6-3, bringing his midseason totals to 2,235 passing yards and 20 touchdowns. He also joined elite company during the game, according to the Lions’ social media channels.
Goff’s 20 touchdown passes through nine games this season are the second most in franchise history. He’s currently tied for second with Matthew Stafford (20 in 2011), and behind Bobby Layne, who threw 24 through nine games in 1954. Stafford currently holds the Lions record for most passing touchdowns in a season with 41 back in 2011.
·Goff also produced his 44th 300-yard passing effort during the Lions’ victory in Week 10. This ties him with Dan Marino and Drew Brees through the first 10 seasons of their careers.
Patrick Mahomes (49) and Matt Ryan (45) are the only two quarterbacks ahead of Goff, and with eight games left, the Lions’ franchise quarterback has plenty of opportunities to close the gap, especially with the lack of success Mahomes’ Chiefs have had this year.
Goff also managed to produce his 8th straight road game of a completion percentage of over 70 percent, which is an NFL record. He also had his 65th game of a passer rating of over 100, which is the 4th most in NFL history within the first 10 seasons of anyone’s career. Russel Wilson (83), Dak Prescott (67), and Matt Ryan (67) are currently ahead of Goff.
It’s also worth noting that Goff’s 74 percent completion rate is first in the NFL through 10 weeks of play.
Goff’s 2025 season is on pace to potentially be the best in Lions history between efficiency and major statistical categories for Lions quarterbacks. It’s another season that we can add to the running list we, and the Lions’ PR, have on Goff to show why Detroit’s choice to swing for him back in 2021 made sense.
While Stafford continues to thrive with the Los Angeles Rams, Goff continues to grow as one of the Lions’ best quarterbacks ever under Dan Campbell and an elite offense around him.