Mike McCarthy: Steelers rookie OL Max Iheanachor will miss a few practices but should return early next week

Steelers coach Mike McCarthy addressed a short injury timeline for rookie offensive tackle Max Iheanachor on Friday, saying Iheanachor is “OK” after an early practice exit and will be out of practice for the next few days due to an undisclosed injury. McCarthy also indicated Iheanachor is set to return early next week, a timeline that at least keeps the team’s preseason installation plan intact for the veteran core and for the rookie group that is competing for roles along the line.

For Pittsburgh, the matter is more than just one player missing reps. During training camp and the early stages of the preseason build-up, offensive line availability can shape how quickly coaches can settle continuity at the tackle spots and how many live assignments they can give to depth. A multi-day pause for a tackle prospect can also alter the reps distribution for the rest of the unit, especially if practice work includes full-team periods, pass-set walkthroughs, and situational scripts.

McCarthy’s comments, as reported, suggest the situation is being treated as short-term rather than something more prolonged. The injury itself was not specified, and the timing was described in general terms: out for the next few days, back early next week. That distinction matters, because undisclosed issues can sometimes shift, and the only reliable planning window is the one a coach is willing to put into public language.

Iheanachor’s status also becomes a practical question for the Steelers’ competitive depth chart. Offensive tackle is a spot where even small differences in reps can affect evaluation, particularly when coaches are looking to sort out footwork, set timing, and how quickly a player handles pressure packages. If Iheanachor returns as expected, the Steelers can potentially resume his developmental ramp without losing too much momentum.

Even with a “return soon” message, this is still a reminder of how quickly camp rhythms can change. Unspecified injuries can lead to modified practices, limited snaps, or day-to-day decisions, and teams often keep players away from full-contact work until they are cleared and consistently comfortable. The coming practice window, then, is likely to be the real indicator, with the Steelers’ next few days of availability and workload determining whether Iheanachor’s timeline holds.

What to watch next is straightforward. If Iheanachor returns early next week as McCarthy indicated, the Steelers will likely use the opportunity to re-integrate him into the offensive tackle group’s standard reps and evaluate how quickly he regains his role in the flow of practice. If he does not, or if his workload is restricted, Pittsburgh may need to rely on other options to cover the tackle depth and preserve continuity for the weeks that follow.