At the top of the depth chart is veteran Dylan Cook, but a first-round rookie, Max Iheanachor, remains in the mix and could earn his preseason debut Thursday. Iheanachor entered the offseason as a strong candidate to push for a starting role, and this final tune-up could be pivotal in determining whether he slides into the lineup as a starter or remains a valuable depth piece.
Broderick Jones, now in his fourth NFL season, is also in the conversation. Jones has experience on both the left and right sides, which gives the coaching staff flexibility, but the competition at right tackle is intense. For Jones, the preseason has been a proving ground as he seeks to demonstrate his physicality and consistency after returning from neck surgery that sidelined him for a portion of last season.
Former Steelers lineman Trai Essex recently weighed in on Jones’ progression, noting that Jones needs to bring more aggression and better reaction in the punch. Essex spoke on a recent episode of a football podcast, emphasizing that the protection around the quarterback—whoever is under center—depends in part on the right tackle’s ability to win one-on-one battles and set a tone at the line. The assessment underscores how critical this position is for the team’s overall pass protection and run blocking.
The Steelers invested in Jones as a first-round pick, and the organization has already made strategic moves to reconfigure the lineup when Jones faced health challenges. In the 2026 NFL Draft, Iheanachor was selected to help fortify the line, and Troy Fautanu was moved to left tackle to address earlier depth concerns at that position. Additionally, the team did not exercise Jones’ fifth-year option, signaling that his development is closely watched and that the coaching staff remains focused on protecting the quarterback while building a versatile and resilient offensive front.
Jones has since recovered from his neck injury and has been working to regain his form. In a best-case scenario, Jones could become the starting right tackle or begin the season as the swing tackle, providing valuable depth and versatility across both tackle spots. His prior experience at multiple positions gives the Steelers options for lineup adjustments if injuries arise or if performance dictates a change.
One recurring theme is the challenge of balancing health, development, and consistency. Jones himself has acknowledged that, given his injury history, he would prefer to focus on a single position if possible. However, the team’s needs and the dynamic nature of NFL depth charts mean he must be prepared to contribute wherever the coaches place him. The season opener could hinge on how he performs in the upcoming preseason finale, with both the coaching staff and players watching closely to determine the best path forward for the right tackle position.
As the Steelers evaluate their roster, the final exhibition game serves as a critical audition for Iheanachor, Jones, and Cook. The outcome will influence not only the immediate roster decisions but also the long-term approach to protecting the quarterback and establishing a reliable run-game anchor on the right side of the line. With this competition shaping up to have a meaningful impact on the team’s early-season plans, fans will be paying close attention to every snap and every interaction at the edge.
