As of late August, Cook was atop the Steelers’ depth chart at right tackle. Harrison expressed skepticism about Cook’s performance, saying he saw moments in games where the evaluation didn’t reflect confidence. “From what I’ve seen from him, I’m sorry. It was just parts of games where I was looking at him, and I’m trying to figure out who that is,” Harrison commented to guest co-host Charlie Batch. “He’s getting beat like a drum. I don’t know what was going on. Was he better in practice? Did I miss something?”
A potential alternative at right tackle is first-round rookie Max Iheanachor, who has had limited August practice due to a shoulder/neck injury and only made his preseason debut recently. Iheanachor’s path to the starting lineup remains uncertain given the injury and his late arrival to the preseason games.
At this position, the Steelers also have Broderick Jones, who has indicated a preference not to serve as a swing tackle and who primarily played left tackle in the preseason. Other options on the roster include tackles Doug Nester and Jack Driscoll, though industry expectations suggest both could be among the cuts before the roster deadline.
The league-wide roster cut deadline requires all teams to reduce to 53 players by 6 p.m. ET on August 30.
Key context for decision-making going forward includes the relative performance of Cook, Iheanachor, Jones, Nester, and Driscoll, as the Steelers aim to assemble a competent offensive line for the upcoming season. The right tackle job remains a point of emphasis as the team finalizes its depth chart and evaluates which players are best suited to protect the quarterback and establish the run game.
For ongoing updates, players’ health, and potential depth-chart changes, follow the Steelers’ news coverage as rosters are finalized and the team prepares for the 2026 season.
