Steelers Now
PITTSBURGH — It’s been a frustrating start to the 2025 season for Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Ryan McCollum, who has been mostly sidelined by a lower body injury throughout training camp and the preseason, but he’s getting close to being able to take out that frustration on an opposing player soon.
McCollum said on Monday that his plan is to suit up in the team’s final preseason game against the Carolina Panthers on Thursday night, after missing the first two. McCollum has been in and out of the team’s training camp lineup, but has yet to be a full participant in a padded session.
He was a limited participant in Thursday’s joint practice with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but he’s hoping for a green light this Thursday.
“You have no idea how frustrating it’s been,” McCollum said.
McCollum is in his fourth season with the Steelers since being claimed on waivers from the Detroit Lions in 2022. He spent most of his first two years in Pittsburgh as a little-used part of the practice squad, but had a breakout season last year.
The Steelers suffered a rash of injuries along the interior of their offensive line, with center/guard Nate Herbig and guard James Daniels lost for the season and guard Isaac Seumalo dealing with a short-term injury all in the first month of the season.
That paved the way for McCollum to make the initial 53-man roster, and from there, he took on a backup role that became more when Zach Frazier was banged up. McCollum was dressed for all 17 games in 2024, and made two starts in place of Frazier at center, in Week 7 and Week 8, both Steelers victories.
This year, McCollum has been penciled in as the No. 2 center on the depth chart all offseason, a testament to his work for the team over the years and their faith in his ability to do that job.
But he’d also love for the chance to prove his worth on the field once before the start of the season.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Steelers OL Plans Return from ‘Frustrating’ Injury
