It may be early in the 2025-26 season, but the Pittsburgh Steelers have already been paid a visit by the injury bug multiple times. As Mike Tomlin’s crew prepares for a Week 3 outing against the New England Patriots, it appears to have happened once again.
Per a September 17 report from Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, offensive lineman Max Scharping sustained a knee injury. It occurred during Wednesday’s practice, which saw Scharping be listed as a limited participant.
Steelers OL Max Scharping Has Knee Injury Steelers ‘Fear’ is Significant
“Sources: Steelers interior OL Max Scharping suffered a knee injury during today’s practice and the fear is that it’s significant,” Rapoport’s tweet began. “He’ll have an MRI to confirm the severity. A tough reality for a key depth piece for Pittsburgh.”
If Scharping’s injury is indeed significant, this is a massive blow for the Steelers. While Scharping isn’t a starter, he has plenty of experience along the offensive line. He’s a crucial depth piece for the Black and Yellow, currently listed as the backup to Mason McCormick at right guard.
Scharping, a former second-round pick by the Houston Texans, found his way to Pittsburgh last season. Playing in two games for the Steelers, he’s spent most of his time a reserve. General manager Omar Khan poached him from the Washington Commanders‘ practice squad. Scharping then re-signed with the club back in April, insulating the roster ahead of training camp.
During the 2025 preseason, Scharping played a whopping 138 snaps. In those reps, he posted a respectable 61.6 Pro Football Focus pass blocking grade. He surrendered just one quarterback pressure and logged a 99.4 efficiency grade. The latter marked a new personal best for his preseason career. He was inactive in Weeks 1 and 2 of this season.
Since entering the league, Scharping has appeared in 81 regular-season games. Thirty-three of those were starts, all coming with Houston over the course of his rookie contract. Now, the viable backup is on the shelf following an injury the Steelers will hope turns out to be less severe than expected.
This story is being updated.
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