The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Troy Fautanu in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Fautanu’s stock dropped slightly due to concerns over minor injuries, which ultimately played a role in his rookie season. Despite the injury setbacks, the Steelers were still prepared to make him a starting offensive tackle in year one, which speaks volumes about how highly they regard his talent. Head Coach Mike Tomlin's confidence in Fautanu was a strong indication of the potential the rookie had to contribute immediately.
However, an injury kept Fautanu sidelined for most of the 2024 season, leading to growing concerns about his future and overall health. His absence raised questions about how quickly he could recover and whether he would be able to return to full strength for the 2025 season. With the offensive line being a major focal point for the team, Fautanu’s health is crucial for their success moving forward.
Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo provided an important update on Fautanu’s recovery and the status of the offensive line as a whole in his latest mailbag. Fittipaldo reassured fans that Fautanu is progressing well in his recovery, although the Steelers will continue to monitor his progress closely. With Fautanu's return expected to bolster the offensive line, the Steelers are optimistic about the future, but health remains a key factor in their 2025 plans.
"The only injury I'm aware of is Fautanu, and I think he's expected to take part in practices this spring and summer," Fittipaldo said. "They might bring him back slowly, but he said at the end of the season he was felling good."
During the 2024 season, the Steelers' offensive line was plagued by significant injuries, forcing players like Zach Frazier, Mason McCormick, and others into roles they weren’t initially expected to take on. Frazier, however, rose to the occasion and quickly became a standout, dominating in ways few anticipated. Many Steelers fans and football observers now believe Frazier is well on his way to becoming one of the top centers in the league.
Other injuries continued to hamper the offensive line, and Broderick Jones, in particular, struggled to maintain the high level of play expected of him. With Fautanu's health still a concern, many fans are eager to see him return to the lineup and restore stability to the line. His presence is seen as crucial for the Steelers’ offensive success moving forward.
Despite the challenges, McCormick impressed as a rookie, consistently overachieving in a season that saw numerous setbacks. His development has turned heads, and he will look to build on this momentum in his second season. If McCormick continues to grow, he could become a valuable asset for the Steelers as they work to solidify their offensive line in 2025.
Steelers Are Eager To Get Troy Fautanu Back In The Lineup
Jones is set to be moved to left tackle, and it looks like Fautanu will take over at right tackle once he's fully healthy. Fittipaldo believes the team may take a cautious approach and ease Fautanu back into the lineup, but with the significant recovery time he’s had, there’s optimism he’s ready to contribute. As Steeler Nation saw throughout the 2024 season, the team is eager to get Fautanu back on the field, and it's clear they value his potential.
With a full recovery, it’s safe to expect Fautanu to play a much larger role in the Steelers' offense in 2025. His health and readiness will be a key factor in solidifying the offensive line, especially after the team's struggles in 2024. If there are no further setbacks with his recovery, Fautanu should be an integral part of the Steelers’ plans moving forward. Steelers fans are eager to see what role Fautanu will play in the 2025 season.
