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Aaron Rodgers Gives Max Iheanachor Strong Vote of Confidence Amid Jets Starting Lineup Questions
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- Aaron Rodgers Gives Max Iheanachor Strong Vote of Confidence Amid Jets Starting Lineup Questions
Aaron Rodgers has already seen enough from Max Iheanachor to feel comfortable with the rookie protecting him. The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Iheanachor 21st overall in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Arizona State product entered training camp with a chance to compete for the starting right tackle job. However, that competition became more complicated when Iheanachor suffered an upper-body injury on August 6. He missed time before returning to practice later in August. Yet, Rodgers overlooks the brief injury and publicly admits he anticipates a decent outing from Iheanachor.
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Aaron Rodgers Backs Max Iheanachor Amid Right Tackle Competition
May 28, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) participates in OTA drills at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Rodgers was asked about the possibility of Iheanachor starting despite the rookie's recent absence. The veteran quarterback made it clear that he is not concerned about having the first-round pick on the field. Steelers beat reporter Nick Farabaugh shared Rodgers' take on Iheanachor.
"I love (Max). He sits a couple of seats down from me. I've got crazy wild mullet, red-headed Samson with a tattoo on his back, Gennings Michael Dunker and Max next to him. So it's a good little corner."
That endorsement carries weight because Rodgers will depend heavily on his offensive line this season. The Steelers brought him back for another NFL season, and keeping him upright remains critical to their offensive plans.
Iheanachor also has plenty of reasons to believe he can earn the job. Pittsburgh invested a first-round pick in him after watching him develop rapidly during the evaluation process. The rookie started 31 of 32 games during his Arizona State career. He also did not allow a sack during his senior season. He finished 2025 with Second-Team All-Big 12 honors.
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The Steelers clearly liked his physical traits and long-term potential. NFL.com described him as an ascending tackle with strong length, athleticism, and play strength. However, Iheanachor entered the NFL with limited football experience compared with most first-round picks. He did not begin playing organized football until 2021 after previously focusing on soccer and basketball.
That background makes his early progress even more notable. Before the injury, Iheanachor had already begun to make an impression once the Steelers put on the pads. Pittsburgh coaches wanted to see whether his athletic ability could translate against NFL pass rushers. His injury temporarily interrupted that momentum. Yet the Steelers did not appear overly concerned about his development.
Mike McCarthy announced in late August that Iheanachor was back in practice. The coach wanted him to regain the progress he had made before the setback. Meanwhile, the Steelers also traded Broderick Jones to the Dallas Cowboys before the regular season. That move further reshaped the team's offensive tackle picture.
Pittsburgh's initial 53-man roster includes Iheanachor, Dylan Cook, Spencer Anderson, and Troy Fautanu among its offensive linemen. Gennings Dunker also made the roster after being selected in the third round.
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For Rodgers, though, the rookie's pre sence appears to be a positive. His comments suggest he already feels comfortable around Iheanachor. More importantly, they show that Rodgers has confidence in the young tackle's ability to handle his responsibilities.
The right tackle competition may not be completely settled yet. Still, having the starting quarterback publicly backing a rookie can only strengthen Iheanachor's position as Week 1 approaches.
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The post Aaron Rodgers Gives Max Iheanachor Strong Vote of Confidence Amid Jets Starting Lineup Questions appeared first on Gridiron Heroics .
