Former Steelers offensive lineman preparing for NFL comeback

The Pittsburgh Steelers gave Zach Banner the starting right tackle job in 2020. The fourth-round pick by the Indianapolis Colts in 2017 beat out Chukwuma Okorafor in training camp to earn the job. Unfortunately for him, Banner's tenure was extremely short-lived as he played in 59 offensive snaps in the season opener against the New York Giants before suffering a season-ending knee injury. Banner was brought back for the 2021 season, but rehab prevented him from participating in training camp. The team released Banner in March of 2022 after he played in just five offensive snaps in the 2021 season. After two years out of professional football, Banner is ready to make a comeback. 

The former USC Trojan announced his intentions to play football again in 2024 in a post on X. A fan had mentioned that they hoped the former Steeler was doing well, and Banner replied with his plans to be back on a field somewhere this year. 

"I’ve been grinding for the last two years to get back," he wrote. "I promise I’ll be playing football this year."

He was very appreciative of the fan who posted, and in addition to thanking them for the love he earned by grinding and ultimately getting hurt, he offered to send them a signed jersey. 

Banner wrote that it's been a tough journey for him since he was carted off at MetLife Stadium on September 14, 2020.  He's still got faith that he can return to playing football four years after the injury. 

"I always have dreams of plays/games that I would have played in if that didn’t happen," he added. "The next year, I wasn’t healthy enough. Two missed seasons is a lot of time to make you question if you still belong, but I still believe in myself."      

Banner faces a tough challenge in returning to the NFL. He turned 30 on Christmas of 2023 and has only made two career starts in his five years in the league. While he might be confident in his ability to make a comeback, any team that takes him on would assume a significant risk. With a limited NFL resume, lack of a strong draft history, and no recent NFL experience, he faces an uphill battle, compared to younger players who might be more appealing to teams.

Could The Steelers Take A Flier On Banner?

Pittsburgh could be in the market for a new tackle. Broderick Jones turned in a solid rookie season but made the majority of his starts on the right side. The Georgia Bulldogs product is a natural left tackle and General Manager Omar Khan said at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine the team intends on him being a left tackle. Dan Moore Jr. has been manning the left tackle position for most of the last three seasons since the organization drafted him in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft.  

Pittsburgh has a few options in free agency or the draft left that could allow them to send Moore to the bench. While Banner is probably not a first-choice option to start at right tackle, he could be useful in depth. The team has a few depth tackles already in Spencer Anderson, who played every position on the line in the 2023 preseason, and Dylan Cook, who has yet to play a game. While Banner would be a risk, he's familiar with the organization and despite limited experience, has more than the other options. 

Banner will likely have to wait until the dust settles on the 2024 NFL Draft to see what his options are. He might even have to wait for a team to suffer injuries in training camp or preseason at the position before he can find a landing spot.