Pittsburgh Steelers OT Troy Fautanu has been dealing with an ankle injury since last Sunday’s game and finished the week officially listed as questionable for today’s game.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, he is expected to play.
Steelers left tackle Troy Fautanu (questionable, ankle) is expected to play Sunday vs New England, per source.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) September 20, 2026
Fautanu missed one snap last Sunday, leading to Max Iheanachor’s brief debut. That injury lingered into the week with Fautanu failing to practice Wednesday. He returned in a limited capacity for the final two practices of the week.
With Fautanu playing, it’s unlikely Max Iheanachor will make his starting debut, though Mike McCarthy said it was a big week for him as he got additional reps with the first-team offense. There’s still an outside shot he could supplant Dylan Cook at right tackle after getting those additional reps. Cook has struggled both in the preseason and Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons.
When Fautanu was briefly out, Iheanachor came in at right tackle with Cook flipping over to the left. The Steelers’ O-line did not play up to expectations, which are sky-high given all the recent draft capital investments in the unit. Left guard Mason McCormick vowed they will be better.
It’s only a matter of time before Iheanachor starts. Opportunities to get first-team reps in practice will only accelerate that process.
Fautanu is still figuring things out on the left side of the offensive line after an offseason switch, but he’s among the most talented players on the roster when he plays up to his potential. He had a very strong season at right tackle a year ago.
The Patriots may find themselves without starting EDGE Dre’Mont Jones, who was listed as questionable with a foot injury. If he’s unable to play, Gabe Jacas and Quintayvious Hutchins would see extra playing time. Jones and Jacas each earned one sack last week in the Patriots’ 13-10 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.