PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Steelers are starting to see glimpses of their starting offensive line, for the first time this week they had four of the five on the field running plays at the same time. Among those getting first reps is last year's Opening Day starter Zach Banner.
After beating out Chukwuma Okorafor as the starting right tackle during camp in 2020, Banner tore his ACL in the first game against the Giants. The 27-year-old would miss the rest of the season and was extremely limited in off-season team drills.
While the Steelers went through voluntary off-season work, Banner was there every day. Not lining up with his 300-pound peers, rather pushing a weighted sled up-and-down the sideline.
"I'm having fun through this process and I get mad at myself through this process," Banner said. "That's just for me holding myself to a standard I want to play at."
Meaning he's conflicted because while he wants to be out there all the time. He also knows he needs to have patience.
"I trust Coach Giemont (Steelers conditioning coordinator) and John Norwig (Steelers head trainer)."
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin did not specify who is playing on Thursday at the Eagles. Only saying a few regular names would be in the lineup. We don't know if Banner is among them or not.
"We have to make it a day-by-day thing," Banner said. "If I think about Philly. If I think about Detroit. If I think about the Panthers. If I think about Buffalo, I'm hurting my team. I have to think about practice today. You wake up, respond and trust the process."
Banner is acutely aware while wanting to play through pain. He said it would be an injustice to play hurt and potentially damage the team's chances to win.
"We can't beat our bodies," Banner said. "That's not an excuse. I get upset every time I have to say that. I need to hold every person accountable that's in for a mental rep, physical rep, film study. Whatever it is."
It sounds like talk coming from a leader and that's a role that Banner has jumped into. He's talking to his teammates, one of the first to try and teach lessons to the rookies.
It's a position group without multiple-time captain Maurkice Pouncey due to retirement. David DeCastro, six-time Pro Bowler, released and likely his career is over after ankle injuries. Tackle Alejandro Villanueva (Baltimore) to free agency and the same with starting guard Matt Feiler (Chargers).
Banner has taken over hosting weekly offensive line dinners from Pouncey. He, like the linemen before him, believes they need to keep that fellowship. They will order out for a meal, just hang out and watch extra film.
Villanueva was a big part of that group, not just physically. Banner and Big Al play the same position and stay in touch, but won't when they play the Ravens.
"We talked a couple of times during camp through texts and one phone call," Banner said. "When he lines up (for those matchups), he's a rat bird."
How soon the projected Steelers starting offensive line lines up is still in question, but they are making progress.
