Steelers Fall 28-27 to Bills as Wetjen's 45-Yard Return and Rookies Stand Out

Q: Did Max Iheanachor's uneven debut following a neck injury raise red flags for his future as the starting right tackle?

No, not by itself. Iheanachor’s preseason debut was uneven, but the broader evidence suggests it was more a case of rust and normal rookie inconsistency than a serious warning sign about his future at right tackle. He had clear mistakes — he allowed a sack and was flagged for holding — and he acknowledged that he lunged on the sack and needs to clean up small technical issues. That matters, especially because he is competing for a starting job. But he also showed the traits that made him a first-round pick, including power in pass protection early and some effective run blocking later, including on Eli Heidenreich’s touchdown run. Context is important. Iheanachor had only recently returned from a neck/shoulder injury and had just two practices before the game. Multiple reports framed the performance as expected for a rookie making his first NFL appearance after missed development time, not as evidence that he cannot handle the position. Observers noted that he improved as the game went on, and teammate Troy Fautanu said he settled in after early nerves. The bigger issue is timing, not long-term viability. Missing camp reps put Iheanachor behind in a live competition, and that could affect whether he opens the season as the starter. But the available reporting still points to a player with evident talent, technical work to do, and a realistic path to the job once he catches up. At most, the debut reinforced that he may need more seasoning rather than signaling major red flags.

3 articles · Updated · Steelers.com · Aug 28

A 45-yard punt-return touchdown by Wetjen and a 9-yard rushing score from Eli Heidenreich highlighted Pittsburgh's 28-27 preseason loss in Buffalo, giving the Steelers two of their clearest bright spots despite the defeat.
Heidenreich also ran 9 times for 35 yards in his heaviest workload yet, strengthening his case in a crowded backfield ahead of cut-down day.
First-round tackle Max Iheanachor made his preseason debut after returning from injury on Aug. 6, flashing power in pass protection but also allowing a sack in an uneven outing as he chases the right-tackle job.
Undrafted players also pushed for roster spots: Lake McRee caught a 5-yard touchdown, Devan Boykin posted a game-high 9 tackles, and Buffalo native Kevin Jobity Jr. recorded a third-down sack.
The game doubled as an audition for depth pieces on a veteran-heavy roster, with second-year players and fringe roster hopefuls getting extended looks while many regulars sat out.