Pittsburgh Steelers forward James Daniels' injury appears to be serious

According to Chris Adamski of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Pittsburgh Steelers right guard James Daniels was seen using crutches and wearing a walking boot after leaving the team's Week 4 game against the Indianapolis Colts with an ankle injury.

Daniels suffered the injury in the first quarter on Sunday afternoon. He lay on the field for a long time, clutching his lower left leg. Trainers came to examine him and escorted him to the sidelines as he showed clear signs of discomfort.

The Steelers' return was initially considered questionable, but the Steelers later announced that Daniels would miss the remainder of the contest. He played a total of six snaps that day.

Spencer Anderson was inserted as his replacement at right guard, while rookie Mason McCormick, who earned the first start of his career, remained at left guard.

Anderson logged 64 snaps and allowed one pressure, resulting in a sack. McCormick also only allowed one pressure in 70 snaps.

If Daniels is out for an extended period of time, it would be a major loss for Pittsburgh. The 27-year-old has started 36 games for the Steelers since arriving as a free agent in 2022 and has had a strong start to the season, particularly as a run blocker.

Pittsburgh's offensive line was plagued by injuries all year long. Center Nate Herbig and rookie tackle Troy Fautanu are both out for the season with a torn rotator cuff and a knee injury, respectively, while left guard Isaac Seumalo has yet to play in a game due to a pectoral injury.

Seumalo, who practiced for the first time all season this week, is headed toward a return and could theoretically return next Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys, which would provide a big boost. Otherwise, Anderson and McCormick would have to hold down the fort while Daniels recovers.

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