Patriots head coach praises rookie after outstanding performance, calling him the "leader of the squad"

Pittsburgh, PA — September 18, 2025 The Pittsburgh Steelers’ offensive line took another hit on Wednesday when guard Max Scharping suffered a significant knee injury during practice, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. The injury, feared to be serious, adds to the team’s mounting challenges as they prepare for a pivotal Week 3 matchup against the New England Patriots. Scharping, who was limited in practice before the injury, will undergo an MRI to determine the extent of the damage. While it remains unclear whether this is a new injury or an aggravation of a prior issue, early reports suggest he will miss a substantial period, likely ruling him out for Sunday’s game. The Steelers, sitting at 1-1 after a 31-17 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, are already grappling with a struggling offensive line that has allowed seven sacks on quarterback Aaron Rodgers through two weeks. Scharping, a second-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft out of Northern Illinois, has yet to play in a game for Pittsburgh this season. As one of 10 offensive linemen on the roster, he has been a gameday inactive, serving as a versatile depth piece capable of playing multiple positions. The Steelers signed Scharping in October 2024 from the Washington Commanders’ practice squad after injuries decimated their offensive line. His ability to fill in at guard or tackle made him a valuable asset, though he primarily served as the ninth lineman and first-team inactive last season. Before joining Pittsburgh, Scharping started 33 games in the NFL, mostly with the Houston Texans from 2019 to 2021. When a new regime led by former Patriots executive Nick Caserio took over in Houston, Scharping was released after training camp in 2022. The Cincinnati Bengals claimed him off waivers, and he spent two seasons there before signing with the Philadelphia Eagles in June 2024, only to be cut before the final roster was set. The loss of Scharping exacerbates concerns about Pittsburgh’s offensive line, already criticized for its inconsistency. Players like Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu have struggled, while veteran Isaac Seumalo appears to be regressing. The unit’s woes have left Rodgers, the NFL’s most-sacked quarterback (578 career sacks), vulnerable, and the team’s run game, led by Jaylen Warren and Kaleb Johnson, has been stifled. With injuries also plaguing the defense—linebacker Patrick Queen (ribs), Alex Highsmith (ankle), Joey Porter Jr. (hamstring), and DeShon Elliott (MCL sprain)—the Steelers are leaning on recent additions like linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley and safety Jabrill Peppers to bolster depth. Fans on X expressed frustration, with one post stating, “Another injury? This O-line is a disaster!” Head coach Mike Tomlin remained stoic, saying, “We adapt and move forward. No excuses.” As the Steelers face the Patriots, who ran for 122 yards in their Week 2 win, Scharping’s absence could force rookies like Zach Frazier to step up. With the AFC North race heating up, Pittsburgh must navigate this latest setback to keep their playoff hopes alive.