Isaac Seumalo’s season debut for the Pittsburgh Steelers will be postponed for at least another week. On September 28, the team confirmed that Seumalo has been ruled out for their Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.
Spencer Anderson will continue to fill in at left guard, marking his fourth consecutive start for the Steelers in Seumalo’s absence.
Seumalo, who started all 17 games for Pittsburgh last season, joined the team in the 2023 offseason on a three-year, $24 million contract. Pro Football Focus rated him as the Steelers’ best offensive lineman during his first season with the team.
In addition, the Steelers announced on September 28 the elevation of running back Aaron Shampkin and defensive back Thomas Graham from the practice squad for the Week 4 game.
Shampkin is set to make his NFL regular-season debut, while Graham last appeared in a game with the Cleveland Browns in 2022.
Isaac Seumalo Out for Week 4 Seumalo’s absence this week, while disappointing, is not unexpected.
He has been making progress in his recovery, but was limited in practice leading up to the Colts game. On September 27, Seumalo was officially listed as doubtful after practicing in a restricted capacity.
Seumalo suffered a pectoral injury on August 28 and returned to practice on September 25. Fortunately, he avoided surgery, which would have ended his season, and is expected to return within a month, as reported by Gerry Dulac of The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
With 77 career starts over eight seasons, Seumalo is not only Pittsburgh’s best lineman but also their most experienced.
Steelers Elevate RB Aaron Shampkin, DB Thomas Graham With Seumalo still out, Pittsburgh will continue to rely on a makeshift offensive line. Additionally, they are dealing with injuries at the quarterback position, with Justin Fields expected to start again due to Russell Wilson’s ongoing calf injury.
The Steelers also ruled out running back Jaylen Warren on September 27 with a knee injury.
As a result, Najee Harris and Cordarrelle Patterson will handle the bulk of the carries against the Colts, while Shampkin will provide additional depth.
Shampkin, an undrafted free agent in 2022, originally signed with the Dallas Cowboys and later spent time on the Colts’ practice squad. After joining the Steelers’ practice squad this summer, he now has the opportunity to take his first regular-season NFL snap.
Graham will provide additional support in the secondary, which has also been hit by injuries. Veterans DeShon Elliott and Donte Jackson were listed on the injury report earlier in the week, but both fully practiced on September 27.
Graham appeared in 11 games with the Browns from 2021-2022, recording 19 tackles, including one for a loss, while contributing on defense and special teams.
Steelers Rule Out Offensive Starter; Undrafted Free Agent Set to Make NFL Debut.
