INDIANAPOLIS — The Pittsburgh Steelers’ plan to rotate players at left guard on Sunday didn’t go as expected.
Right guard James Daniels sustained an injury, disrupting the plan for Spencer Anderson to alternate with rookie Mason McCormick, who was making his NFL debut at left guard.
Daniels injured his left ankle and was seen in a walking boot after the game. He did not return during the Steelers’ 27-24 loss to the Indianapolis Colts.
As a result, Anderson stepped in at right guard. Anderson had started the first three games at left guard but lost the role to McCormick. This change meant the Steelers were left with two rookies and a second-year player across their offensive interior.
This injury was another setback for a group already missing veteran Isaac Seumalo for a fourth consecutive game, with Troy Fautanu and Nate Herbig also on injured reserve.
Despite the challenges, the Steelers managed a season-high 404 total yards, including 122 on the ground. Running back Najee Harris, though, was held to 19 yards on 13 attempts, and quarterback Justin Fields was sacked four times and hit five more.
“I think they did a pretty good job,” Fields commented. “They’re in the NFL for a reason. Rookie or not, we all have jobs to do, and I think they stepped up.”
Injuries extended to the backfield, as Cordarrelle Patterson exited in the first half with an ankle injury after rushing for 43 yards on six carries and catching two passes for 19 yards.
With Jaylen Warren sidelined by a knee injury, the Steelers relied on practice squad member Aaron Shampklin as their third-down back. Shampklin also recorded his first NFL carry.
Defensively, outside linebacker Nick Herbig left in the first half with an ankle injury but returned later. With Alex Highsmith already out, DeMarvin Leal filled in during Herbig’s absence.
Mike Tomlin shared his thoughts on the Steelers’ loss to the Colts.
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