Talk about bad timing—Troy Fautanu just can’t catch a break. The Steelers’ rookie right tackle had a serious injury during Friday’s practice—and now his status for Sunday’s showdown against the Chargers? Total mystery. 

NFL insider Adam Schefter dropped the bomb on X, saying RT Fautanu tweaked his knee and is now expected to be out indefinitely. “Steelers starting rookie right tackle Troy Fautanu injured his knee during Friday’s practice, and, while he still is undergoing further evaluation, he now is expected to be sidelined indefinitely,” his tweet read. Not exactly the news Steelers Nation wanted to hear.

Just when the Washington Huskies product was getting into his groove—he played 55 solid snaps last week against the Broncos without giving up a sack—the universe throws a curveball. His fellow offensive tackle Broderick Jones confirmed the injury but didn’t have much more to offer, only saying Fautanu felt “a little tweak.” Honestly, that could mean anything in football lingo.

Jones himself got thrown into first-team reps after Fautanu left. But let’s not sugarcoat it—Jones is coming off a rough week. He got benched after racking up three penalties in six plays against Denver. Ouch. Still, he’s ready to bounce back, saying, “We don’t know what’s up with Troy yet, but I’m here to step in.” It’s next man up, but the timing? Not ideal.

This isn’t the first time Troy Fautanu’s had to sit out. The 2024 draft No. 20 pick sprained his MCL in preseason, so missing time’s becoming way too familiar. Yet, after such a strong debut, it’s a total buzzkill for both him and the Steel City to see him potentially sidelined again.

Coach Mike Tomlin, though? He’s got Broderick Jones’ back. “He’s a talented young player,” the HC said, adding that this week was all about giving Jones a chance to shake off last Sunday’s disaster. Still, with officials present at practice every day this week (yeah, penalties were that bad), you know the Steelers are leaving nothing to chance.

Pittsburgh’s O-line’s looking more like a game of musical chairs these days. Center Nate Herbig’s done for the season, Seumalo hasn’t been seen since August, and tackle Dylan Cook? He’s on the injured list too. Can say the Steelers are scraping the barrel for healthy athletes up front.

So, who’s gonna replace Fautanu? All signs point to Broderick Jones, despite his recent hiccups. It’s not like they have a ton of options left. With the Chargers rolling into town, the Steelers need their line to hold up like right now. Every snap counts, and Pittsburgh can’t afford any more weak spots in their protection. Hopefully, a rookie WR’s debut would make some noise. 

Rookie Roman Wilson set to make Steelers debut

Rookie WR Roman Wilson’s making his Steel City debut against the LA Chargers this Sunday. Wilson’s finally going to see some real action after a pesky left ankle sprain during training camp. 

During his time in Michigan, the wideout lit up defenses like there’s no tomorrow—48 catches, 789 yards, and 12 TDs. Thought that was all, huh? Wilson also had a clutch score that secured him a national championship—and a 13-yard grab from Joe Milton against Indiana. When the Honolulu native played against Colorado State, he caught a bubble screen pass and ran for a 61-yard touchdown. And folks, remember that wild Rose Bowl against Alabama? That was him sending the game into overtime. 

Steel City’s O-line’s pretty messed up at the moment—key players are out—but Roman Wilson’s debut could definitely bring in some spice. But the million-dollar question stands: Can he connect with the QB and create fireworks like he did back in college? Here’s hoping the rookie wideout makes some serious splash this season. 

If you haven’t already, do take a look at our latest Think Tank exclusive interview with Doug Sanders. This session comes up with insights on the current NFL season, college football, NIL, and much more.