The Pittsburgh Steelers have had their share of injuries along the offensive line this season, and they’re only four games into the season. When you look at Isaac Seumalo’s pectoral injury which has sidelined him the entire season thus far, Troy Fautanu being placed on Injured Reserve (IR) with a dislocated knee cap, and the latest casualty has been James Daniels.

Daniels left the Steelers 27-24 loss against the Indianapolis Colts with what was labeled an ankle injury. He was seen in the locker room with a boot and crutches after the game. But according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the injury is much worse than just a typical ankle injury. According to Fowler, Daniels suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon and is done for the season.

#Steelers starting guard James Daniels suffered an Achilles tear Sunday against Indy, per source. He will be out for the season. Tough blow for a steady starter up front.

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) September 30, 2024

What will the Steelers do without their most durable offensive lineman? A lot will depend on if Isaac Seumalo can return to the lineup before Week 5. Seumalo was limited in practice all of last week and labeled as Doubtful before eventually being ruled out on Saturday. If Seumalo can return, you can imagine rookie Mason McCormick would slight to right guard as Seumalo returns to his left guard position. If Seumalo is still a week away, you might see another game with McCormick, Zach Frazier and Spencer Anderson as your interior offensive line trio.

Not ideal.

The Steelers injury situation continues to worsen as the season progresses, and this injury to Daniels is just the latest to hit the team who is now 3-1 heading into a prime time showdown on Sunday Night Football in Week 5 vs. the Dallas Cowboys. Stay tuned to SCN for all the latest news and notes surrounding the team as the press on throughout the regular season.