PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Out with a pectoral injury right before the season began, veteran guard Isaac Seumalo says he feels pretty good the last couple of days and is ready to make his season debut against the Cowboys as he has been removed from the injury report after practicing full all week.
It's a team he's familiar with after his seven years in Philadelphia. Seumalo expects to hit the ground running saying he's veteran enough that he understood what he needed to do to get up to speed quickly and staying in the games and game plans while he was out.
"In season is always a little tougher because you are pushing it a little bit," Seumalo said. "Myself, I was going to push to get out there as soon as you can. I think with all injuries, the physical part will come quicker than the mental. It's felt really good,(I'm) thankful."
Seumalo said in watching the first four games there have been some ups-and-downs, but overall feels good about the direction they are heading.
"I think we've built an identity," Seumalo said. "Kind of knew that going in with (offensive coordinator) Arthur (Smith). It's been awesome to see some of the young guys play and play well. Excited to get back out there."
He's worked with the younger players, but says he doesn't want to be overbearing. He's more of a lead-by-example veteran, but says he's ready to offer any advice or tips.
It will be his first NFL game with Zach Frazier, obviously the two will work next to each other and Seumalo will trigger Frazier with the snaps.
"He's been solid," Seumalo said. "His talent is pretty evident even as young as he is. There are always going to be growing pains. He's been great, excited to work with him."
"The biggest thing on offense is all 11 guys have to do their job. I appreciate the young guys finishing. The effort has been great. I just think the execution… as the we play better, the defense plays better. We need to execute at a high level. Offensively that means everybody doing their jobs, each play at a time, doing that 60, 70 times a game."
There is an intensity that Seumalo brings simply with a look. He said he's heartbroken for James Daniels and his season-ending injury. Seumalo wants to be a part of raising the standard and then expectations. He wants this line to be great and sees the potential.
"He's a great player," said tailback Najee Harris. "We all know what he's capable of. Getting Isaac back is kind of getting another leader back on the line. Have that leadership mentality, veteran mentality. He's been to a Super Bowl too."
"This is a guy that knows a lot of football. He knows about defenses-seam defenses, seam fronts. How to react to that. How to make calls. He's a leader on the offense, we need him for sure."
Sunday, they will finally have him again.
