Iheanachor says he’s ready to start, up to coaches

PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – It seemed like a long shot and longer still when a neck/shoulder injury kept him out of a couple of weeks of practice and the first two preseason games, now Max Iheanachor is in position to start at right tackle when the Steelers open the season September 13.

It doesn’t mean it’s a lock to happen, but it’s getting close. Realistically Dylan Cook was only buying time at right tackle no matter how he performed. You don’t draft a player in the first round to have him sit for long, especially in today’s NFL.

Cook has taken all of the first-team reps at right tackle until recently. While still practicing there, Cook played most of his snaps at left tackle in the final preseason game against the Bills. They were taking a look at him to be the swing tackle as much as giving Iheanachor his first pre-season reps.

Those first couple of snaps were a problem for the rookie, and he fully admits that. He allowed a sack and a few plays later, a holding penalty, but he improved.

“As the game is going on, making corrections on the run,” Iheanachor said with pride after practice Wednesday. “Being self-aware when I mess up and I know I didn’t do it. I just try to fix it on the run and be better on the next play.”

The Arizona State rookie said 100% it was the best thing that could have happened to him getting time out there with his teammates.

“It’s just getting my feet wet,” Iheanachor said. “It’s just a start.”

Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy said he needs to stack success in practice, something the rookie said he’s very aware of. Thursday they will practice in full pads before a weekend off and then Monday, the first game week of the year.

McCarthy won’t name a starter at right tackle, he may not until game time as secretive as he’s been this preseason. Deep down after playing in a preseason game does Iheanachor presume he’s ready to start in the NFL?

“Yeah, I truly believe the work I’ve put in to be in this position,” Iheanachor said. “I wouldn’t be here if not. Just always trusting God’s timing, he put me here for a reason, so that his will be done.”

Confidence is not lacking, Iheanachor said he already had the playbook down during OTAs in the spring and it’s been smooth.

“He’s extremely athletic, explosive lower half,” said Steelers offensive line coach James Campen. “Willing to try different techniques, different things. He’s really the youngest of the group as far as having played three years of football and never playing it before that. He’s a very explosive young man and very driven.”

Does Iheanachor believe he will be the starter when the Steelers open the season against the Falcons a week from Sunday?

“I don’t ask questions like that,” Iheanachor said. “The coaches, they are very good coaches, they are going to put the best five out there. Whatever they ask me to do, do it 100%.”

There is work to do, but time. It’s a matter of when.