Steelers may get very lucky in Week 1 matchup vs. 49ers

The Steelers still have two preseason games to play before the start of the regular season, but anticipation is growing for their Week 1 matchup against the 49ers, who may be without one of their best players.

Pittsburgh may get lucky as the 2022 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, DE Nick Bosa, could be inactive as he holds out in hopes of a contract extension.

"The Bosa situation could last a while and it's not out of the question the three-time Pro Bowler could miss the start of the season due to the contract dispute," Tony Pauline wrote.

If that turns out to be the case, the Steelers' chances of starting the season on a high note would drastically rise as the team has a big question at the tackle position.

Pittsburgh strengthened its offensive line by adding veteran guard Isaac Seumalo and rookie Broderick Jones this offseason, but who will start at left tackle is still unknown.

Many believe Jones could win the job by the start of the season after the Steelers traded up to get him in the first round of this year's draft, but Dan Moore Jr. isn't going down without a fight and is still running with the first team offense.

Of course, the main storyline in Week 1 will be Kenny Pickett vs. Brock Purdy, a battle between the first and last quarterbacks taken in the 2022 NFL Draft. However, if Bosa is inactive, it will be a significant loss for San Francisco.

There is still plenty of time for the two sides to reach an agreement by opening weekend, but Pittsburgh is surely hoping the contract dispute drags out a little bit longer.