The Pittsburgh Steelers are poised to get a boost along the offensive line as veteran lineman Ryan McCollum is expected to return from injury this Thursday. After missing the first two preseason games and the majority of training camp, McCollum’s return marks a significant step forward in shoring up the team’s offensive line depth ahead of the regular season.
McCollum spoke candidly about his recent setback, calling the injury “frustrating” and something he’s been dealing with since the start of camp. In a conversation with reporter Alan Saunders, McCollum didn’t hide his disappointment.
“You have no idea how frustrating it’s been,” McCollum said. His absence has certainly been felt as the Steelers evaluate their depth and rotation on the interior line.
Now entering his third season with the Steelers, McCollum has been a reliable presence both on the practice squad and active roster since 2022. Last season, he stepped in admirably during a critical stretch, starting two games against the New York Giants and New York Jets when rookie center Zach Frazier was sidelined due to injury. That experience only solidified his reputation as a dependable and versatile option up front.
Throughout his career, McCollum has played in 30 NFL games, including three starts. His journey in the league began as an undrafted free agent out of Texas A\&M, where he showed promise but went overlooked during the draft process. Since then, he’s worked his way up through the ranks with stops in Houston and Detroit before settling into a meaningful role in Pittsburgh.
Now 27 years old, McCollum is expected to resume his role as Frazier’s primary backup at center. However, his value extends beyond just one position. McCollum has the ability to play both guard spots as well, giving the Steelers a reliable swing interior lineman — a vital asset in today’s NFL, where offensive line depth is constantly tested throughout the season.
In McCollum’s absence, Max Scharping has handled the bulk of the backup center reps during camp and preseason action. While Scharping has performed adequately, McCollum’s return will likely shift the rotation and bring more competition and experience to the unit.
The Steelers have made it clear that versatility and experience will play a huge role in shaping the final 53-man roster, and McCollum checks both boxes. His return this week comes at an important time, as Pittsburgh looks to solidify its depth chart and build chemistry ahead of Week 1.
With McCollum back on the field, the Steelers are one step closer to having their full offensive line rotation ready for the regular season. His return may not make national headlines, but for a team that prides itself on toughness and trench play, getting a proven, battle-tested lineman like McCollum back is an important development.