Steelers’ First-Round Tackle Max Iheanachor Sidelined After Upper-Body Injury

During the third fully-padded practice of camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, rookie offensive tackle Max Iheanachor left the field early after appearing to sustain an upper-body injury. Trainers attended to his neck and shoulder area before he walked to the locker room and was later seen with a sling. Head coach Mike McCarthy announced that Iheanachor would miss the remainder of Friday’s practice and would not return until at least the following Monday.

Pittsburgh Tribune Review

The Arizona State product was selected 21st overall in the 2026 NFL Draft and entered camp as the team’s second-team right tackle behind veteran Dylan Cook. Standing 6-foot-6 and weighing 321 lb, his athleticism in early padded sessions has drawn praise, and he has been mentioned as a possible challenger for the Week 1 starting right-tackle role.

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• Draft position: 21st overall, 2026 NFL Draft.

Sports Illustrated

• Physical profile: 6-foot-6, 321 lb.

Mike McCarthy Gives Update on Max Iheanachor’s Injury

• Depth-chart status: RT2 behind Dylan Cook; Broderick Jones listed as backup left tackle; Doug Nester positioned as RT3.

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Coach McCarthy told reporters the injury was not serious enough to warrant a longer absence, projecting a return to practice on Monday. He declined to provide a medical diagnosis, emphasizing the team’s preference for players to discuss personal health matters privately. Guard Mason McCormick praised Iheanachor’s work ethic, saying the rookie “is doing a tremendous job.”

NBC Sports

• “He won’t go today. I think we might not see him til Monday, but he’s okay,” — Mike McCarthy, coach

Mike McCarthy Provides Encouraging Injury Update On OT Max Iheanachor

• “I think he’s doing a tremendous job,” — Mason McCormick, guard

Mike McCarthy Gives Update on Max Iheanachor’s Injury

Team trainer Gabe Amponsah was observed working on Iheanachor’s neck and shoulder area on the sideline. Steelers medical staff, including Dr. Aaron Mares, joined the evaluation. Despite the early exit, Iheanachor was able to walk unaided off the field, a detail reported by multiple outlets as a positive sign.

Mike McCarthy Gives Update on Max Iheanachor’s Injury

Sources differ on the precise nature of the injury: some describe it as a “neck/shoulder” issue, others as an “upper-body” or “shoulder” injury. No official medical diagnosis has been released, and the Steelers have not disclosed a timeline beyond the projected Monday return. Consequently, the severity and potential impact on Iheanachor’s competition for the starting job remain uncertain.

Steelers first-round pick Max Iheanachor leaves practice early with apparent injury

Missing two practice days deprives Iheanachor of valuable reps against the Steelers’ elite pass rushers, a key component of his evaluation for a starting role. The right-tackle competition already features seasoned players; Cook has earned the starting nod in previous seasons, while Jones and Nester provide depth.

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The Steelers’ first preseason game is slated for mid-August against the Green Bay Packers at Acrisure Stadium. Iheanachor’s health status for that contest will be clarified after the Monday practice, when the coaching staff can assess his readiness for game-day reps. The outcome will influence the final roster decisions at right tackle heading into the regular season.

USA Today