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Steelers Will See Big Matchup for Max Iheanachor in Week 6 at Buccaneers
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- Steelers Will See Big Matchup for Max Iheanachor in Week 6 at Buccaneers
When the Pittsburgh Steelers take the field on Sunday, several key matchups will be worth watching. Whether it's Mason McCormick and Zach Frazier against Vita Vea or Asante Samuel Jr. against Emeka Egbuka , multiple battles in the trenches and on the perimeter could impact the outcome. However, one matchup might fly under the radar heading into Week 6.
A battle between two 2026 first-round picks will unfold when Max Iheanachor and Rueben Bain Jr. face off. The Buccaneers selected Bain six spots ahead of Iheanachor after draft experts widely viewed him as a first-round talent. Bain has the athletic ability to become an effective NFL edge rusher, but he hasn't consistently displayed it through the early stages of his rookie season.
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Bain could be due for a breakout performance, though, giving Iheanachor an opportunity to prove the Steelers found a steal in the draft. The rookie offensive tackle will face a challenging test against a talented defender who is still searching for his footing in the NFL.
This Matchup Favors Iheanachor Early
Sep 27, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Max Iheanachor (71) is introduced before a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
Both rookies have seen significant playing time, with Iheanachor starting three games and Bain starting two games this season. However, Iheanachor has looked more impressive than Bain, who has struggled to replicate the success he enjoyed at Miami. Through three games, Bain has yet to record a sack and has managed just two pressures and two tackles. Although it's still early in his career, his production hasn't matched the immediate impact Tampa Bay hoped he would make.
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Iheanachor, meanwhile, has remained steady in pass protection and made significant strides as a run blocker. After allowing six pressures against Cleveland in Week 4, he didn't surrender a single pressure in Week 5. He has allowed a pressure on just 6.1% of his pass-blocking snaps in his limited opportunities this season .
Iheanachor hasn't been perfect, but he has shown more readiness for the NFL than many expected from a developmental prospect. If he continues to improve, he could make life difficult for Bain and give Pittsburgh another reason to feel confident about its first-round selection.
Why Iheanachor Still Has Something to Prove
Sep 27, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Max Iheanachor (71) during the first quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
In reality, both rookies have plenty to prove. Bain's performance in Week 5 showed improvement over his previous two outings. He recorded his first run stop of the season, offering a positive sign after a slow start. Still, he hasn't consistently generated the pass-rush pressure Tampa Bay envisioned when it drafted him.
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Whether the issue stems from the speed of the NFL game, his technique or concerns about his arm length, Bain hasn't put everything together yet. However, his return from injury in Week 5 showed signs of progress, and he could be ready to take another step forward.
Iheanachor also has plenty riding on this matchup. Many draft analysts viewed him as a raw offensive tackle with significant developmental needs but an impressive ceiling. However, 20 other teams passed on him, and even Pittsburgh appeared unlikely to select him until Philadelphia traded up .
Now, Iheanachor has an opportunity to show that he belongs in the NFL and that he deserved to hear his name called earlier in the draft. Facing Bain, the 15th overall pick, gives the Steelers rookie a chance to make that statement on Sunday.
This story was originally published by Athlon on Oct 15, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
