The Pittsburgh Steelers‘ starting lineup is coming into focus with two games left in the NFL preseason, with former backup Spencer Anderson heading toward a top spot on the offensive line depth chart.
Anderson is the favorite to start at right guard in Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons, per Mike DeFabo of The Athletic. The 26-year-old has made 11 starts in his three-year NFL career.
Pittsburgh selected Anderson in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He appeared in less than half of the games as a rookie. Anderson emerged as a rotational option in his second season. He made a career-high seven starts this past year.
Anderson is trying to hold off Brock Hoffman and Steven Jones for the starting role.
“Competition, it’s always a constant,” Anderson told DeFabo. “Just proving myself right every day. This all comes down to me proving to myself that I belong here and I could fulfill my childhood dreams.”
Pittsburgh Steelers Lineup News: Spencer Anderson has Inside Track for Right Guard Job
GettyPITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 04: Aaron Rodgers #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates a touchdown with Spencer Anderson #74 during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium on January 04, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Anderson came to the Steelers with minimal fanfare after a solid career at the University of Maryland. Pittsburgh took Broderick Jones with the 14th overall pick out of the University of Georgia in the same draft as Anderson. Jones’ tenure with the Steelers has not panned out. Injuries limited him to 11 games in 2025, and he performed poorly when on the field. Jones is battling for backup reps behind Troy Fautanu at left tackle this season.
The struggles of Jones, along with the departure of guard Isaac Seumalo, have opened up the first real opportunity as a starter in Anderson’s pro career.
“I always felt like I was the middle child or the stepson, however you want to look at it,” Anderson said, relayed by DeFabo. “Nobody knew who I was and what I could do, to be honest.”
The versatile Anderson got some work in the passing game last season. He caught a pass from quarterback Aaron Rodgers and rumbled for four yards against the Green Bay Packers in a Week 8 loss.
Who Will Make the Team Behind Anderson?
GettyPITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – JUNE 12: Broderick Jones #77 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in action during Minicamp at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on June 12, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
The starting offensive line is basically set, with Anderson earning the job at right guard. First-round pick Max Iheanachor is dealing with an upper-body injury. Given his inexperience, he was unlikely to challenge Dylan Cook for the right tackle role. Fautanu, left guard Mason McCormick, and center Zach Frazier will resume their starting positions.
Jones and Iheanachor will serve as the backup tackles. That leaves Hoffman, third-round pick Gennings Dunker, and veteran Ryan McCollum battling for the final two spots. Pittsburgh could opt to roll with 10 linemen, but one of Hoffman or McCollum is likely the odd man out.
Steelers’ Backup Lineman Poised to Take Starting Role