Pittsburgh Steelers first-round draft pick Max Iheanachor remains out of practice with an upper-body injury and has no timeline for his return, head coach Mike McCarthy announced. The rookie offensive tackle left Thursday’s training camp session early after being evaluated by trainers for a shoulder and neck issue.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are navigating their first major injury scare of training camp after first-round pick Max Iheanachor exited the field during an August 6 session at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania according to USA TODAY Sports. Head athletic trainer Gabe Amponsah initially examined the rookie right tackle’s shoulder, chest, and neck area before Iheanachor removed his helmet, watched a period from the sidelines, and walked back to the locker room unassisted as reported by The New York Times. Later that afternoon, he was spotted on campus with his arm in a sling according to TribLIVE.
Coach Mike McCarthy Provides Timeline Uncertainty for the Rookie Tackle
While initial observations caught the attention of fans and analysts, head coach Mike McCarthy offered a reassessment of the situation on Friday, telling reporters that the 21st overall draft pick does not have a serious long-term issue according to Heavy.com. Still, McCarthy ruled out an immediate return to the field noting that Iheanachor has no definitive timetable to resume workouts.
“He won’t go today. I think we might not see him til Monday, but he’s OK.”
Mike McCarthy, Head Coach, Pittsburgh Steelers
That cautious approach leaves Iheanachor’s availability in doubt for the team’s preseason opener on August 13 against the Green Bay Packers at Acrisure Stadium as outlined in USA TODAY Sports. Prior to the setback, the Arizona State product had drawn heavy praise from the coaching staff during the opening week of padded practices, turning heads with his high-level athleticism and performance against edge rushers such as T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith noted The New York Times.
Roster Shuffling and Depth Chart Implications at Right Tackle
Iheanachor’s absence immediately reshuffled reps during training camp drills. Heavy.com noted that while Dylan Cook entered camp listed as the starting right tackle, the rookie was rapidly challenging that hierarchy before getting sidelined. With Iheanachor out, fellow former first-round pick Broderick Jones saw increased work with the second-team offense at right tackle.
The franchise remains sensitive to early-camp injuries given recent history. In 2024, first-round pick Troy Fautanu lost the majority of his rookie season due to a practice injury reported USA TODAY Sports, while defensive lineman Derrick Harmon missed the start of the 2025 campaign following a preseason injury according to Heavy.com. For Iheanachor, missing developmental practice reps serves as a temporary roadblock in his bid to secure an immediate role on the offensive line noted Heavy.com.
Additional Camp Injuries and Physical Play Mark Training Camp Intensity
The physical nature of the Steelers’ camp also produced other minor injury updates and emotional moments. Cornerback Brandin Echols exited practice early after sustaining an apparent left ankle or calf injury during team drills reported The New York Times. With Echols sidelined—who had been stepping into a first-team role at the nickel corner position while Jalen Ramsey recuperated on the PUP list—Doneiko Slaughter received a promotion to the first-team defense according to The New York Times.
Tempers also flared as the squad settled into the physical grind of padded workouts noted The New York Times. Inside linebacker Patrick Queen and wide receiver Ben Skowronek engaged in a post-whistle skirmish that prompted teammate Payton Wilson to intervene reported The New York Times.
“We’re getting into the dog days at camp, People are tired. People are sore. We’re just competing. We love each other. Brothers fight all the time. Someone messes up, we get into it a little bit, but we’ll be in here eating lunch in 30 minutes.”
Payton Wilson, Linebacker, Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers are scheduled to hold additional training sessions ahead of their preseason opener, with team medical staff monitoring Iheanachor’s recovery toward a targeted return according to USA TODAY Sports.