Steelers Tease Massive Offensive Line Shakeup After Embarrassing Failure

The Pittsburgh Steelers may be preparing to make significant changes along their offensive line following an embarrassing performance against the New England Patriots. Pittsburgh surrendered four sacks and struggled to generate any consistent push during its 20-3 loss at Acrisure Stadium. Now, the combinations used during Wednesday's practice suggest the coaching staff is at least considering a shakeup.

The right side of the offensive line was particularly concerning throughout the loss. Spencer Anderson allowed seven pressures at right guard, while Dylan Cook has reportedly surrendered six pressures through Pittsburgh's first two games. The Steelers cannot allow Aaron Rodgers to endure that kind of punishment every week, especially with their 42-year-old quarterback already taking several unnecessary hits. 

Pittsburgh also finished with only 235 total yards while converting two of its 12 third-down opportunities. Rodgers was sacked four times and completed 23 of his 39 passing attempts for 187 yards. The offense never established a rhythm, and its problems up front consistently destroyed plays before they had an opportunity to develop. Steelers insider Mike DeFabo revealed an update from what his eyes saw during practice on Wednesday.

"Could change be coming to the right side of the OL?" Steelers insider Mike DeFabo wrote on X. "During the viewing window: Starting center Zach Frazier worked extensively with Brock Hoffman. RT Max Iheanachor worked with Hoffman. Spencer Anderson and Dylan Cook worked both sides and with backup C Ryan McCollum." 

Those combinations do not confirm an immediate lineup change, but they provide the first meaningful indication that Pittsburgh is exploring alternatives.

The most intriguing possibility would involve Hoffman and Iheanachor taking over the right side. Hoffman working extensively beside Frazier could indicate that he is receiving an opportunity at right guard. Rookie Max Iheanachor, meanwhile, could potentially replace Cook at right tackle after Pittsburgh selected him in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

That would represent a massive change for an offense only two games into its season. It would also be an understandable response to what happened against New England. Pittsburgh cannot preach accountability and competition while continuing to send out a combination that has consistently struggled to protect Rodgers or create running lanes.

The practice alignment involving Anderson and Cook was equally interesting. Both players worked on either side of McCollum rather than exclusively occupying their usual starting positions. That could mean the Steelers are testing their versatility, creating genuine competition or preparing both players for reserve roles.

Steelers Cannot Ignore Huge Right-Side Problem

Head Coach Mike McCarthy does not need to make a change simply to create the appearance of urgency. Any adjustment must provide Pittsburgh with a better chance to protect Rodgers and establish the physical identity that the offense has been missing. However, standing still after such an alarming performance would send the wrong message to the locker room.

Iheanachor would bring inexperience into the lineup, but the Steelers drafted him to become an important part of their future. He received valuable work with the starting offense when Troy Fautanu dealt with an ankle injury before Week 2. If Pittsburgh believes the rookie is physically and mentally prepared, there may be little benefit in continuing to delay his opportunity.

Hoffman could also provide the edge and toughness that appeared absent against the Patriots. Replacing two starters at once carries obvious risk, particularly for a unit still trying to build cohesion. Pittsburgh must decide whether preserving continuity is actually valuable when the current group has yet to demonstrate that it deserves more time together.

Frazier's involvement with several combinations is important because he is the stabilizing force in the middle. The Steelers can use their starting center to help communicate protections and support whichever players ultimately line up to his right. That could make an otherwise aggressive transition considerably easier.

Wednesday's work should still be viewed as an experiment rather than a final decision. Reporters only observe a limited portion of practice, and offensive line coaches routinely test different combinations throughout the week. Even so, the timing makes these particular changes impossible to dismiss as routine.

The Steelers were humiliated at the line of scrimmage in Week 2, and the coaching staff appears unwilling to pretend everything is fine. Whether Hoffman and Iheanachor actually enter the starting lineup remains uncertain. What is clear is that Anderson and Cook have officially been put on notice, and Pittsburgh's next offensive line configuration could look dramatically different.

Do you believe the Steelers should replace both starters on the right side of their offensive line? Let us know what you think, and follow me on X at @anthonyghalkias for