The Steelers have added veteran depth to their interior offensive line, signing Max Scharping from the Commanders’ practice squad, as first reported by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. The team has since confirmed the move.
Left guard Isaac Seumalo has missed the season thus far while recovering from a torn rotator cuff. Although Pittsburgh chose not to place him on injured reserve, signaling a potential return soon, their offensive line remains undermanned. Right guard James Daniels suffered a torn Achilles in Week 4, ruling him out for the rest of the season.
Starting center Nate Herbig was also sidelined by a torn rotator cuff before the season began. Second-round rookie Zach Frazier has been filling in as the starting center, working alongside various teammates at the guard positions. Scharping could be in line to join this rotation as he re-enters the AFC North.
The 28-year-old brings experience from 79 games and 33 starts with the Texans and Bengals. While he was a key contributor in Houston, his limited role in Cincinnati diminished his market value this offseason. After a brief stint with the Eagles, who released him before Week 1, he landed on the Commanders’ practice squad. Scharping has yet to appear in a game this season but will aim to carve out a spot in Pittsburgh’s lineup.
In a related move, the Steelers placed Daniels on injured reserve and released defensive backs Jalen Elliott and Darius Rush from the 53-man roster as part of Tuesday’s roster adjustments. Scharping may not start immediately, but he’s expected to see action soon as Pittsburgh works to stabilize their offensive line.
