Okorafor might make first start at right tackle
Rookie third-round pick Chukwuma Okorafor took all of the reps at right tackle with the first-team offense in practice this week and could make his first NFL start Sunday afternoon in Denver.
Matt Feiler, who started at right tackle the past four games, did not practice Wednesday because of a pectoral injury. He was limited Thursday and Friday, but did not take snaps with the starters.
“It felt good,” Feiler said. “The coaches didn’t say anything yet. I still have to talk to them, and we’ll go from there.”
Okorafor, who turned 21 in August, will draw a tough assignment if he starts. The Broncos feature pass-rushing linebackers Von Miller and Bradley Chubb. Miller has 10 sacks, and Chubb nine.
The Steelers have confidence in Okorafor, an athletic lineman who drew rave reviews from line coach Mike Munchak this spring and summer.
“He’s just an athletic guy overall,” said All-Pro guard David DeCastro, who will play next to Okorafor if he starts. “He has natural gifts. Sometimes, he makes it look easy. But he’s still young. He’s still a rookie. But there are just some things you have to experience to learn them.”
Nonetheless, DeCastro said his confidence level in Okorafor is “very high.” Much of that no doubt has to do with Munchak, who has a track record of plugging reserves into the lineup with little or no drop-off.
Feiler only had one start on his NFL resume before this season, but the Steelers are 5-0 with him in the starting lineup this season after he took over for Marcus Gilbert, who will miss a fifth consecutive game with a knee injury.
“We had a whole week together, which is good,” DeCastro said. “I’m confident in him. He hasn’t missed any calls. Munch has been on him, making sure he knows them. He’s been here a while now. He’s a smart kid. Obviously, he’s a rookie, but we have to go.”
The Steelers also will be without starting defensive end Stephon Tuitt for a second consecutive game as he rehabilitates an elbow injury. Tyson Alualu will start again in his place.