Unheralded Pittsburgh Steelers player could get huge unexpected chance against Ravens

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers guard Spencer Anderson might get the biggest chance of his young career against the Baltimore Ravens. Anderson made four starts earlier in the season, but that does not even come into the scope of what a start in a playoff game would mean.

Starting right guard Mason McCormick broke his left hand against the Cincinnati Bengals, and was limited all week at practice. That could mean Anderson gets the nod, even if McCormick is active.

“Obviously, it’s been a while,” Anderson said. “But you just have to be ready whenever your number is called, regardless, because something could happen in the middle of a game and you’ve got to be ready.”

Anderson grew up in Bowie, Maryland, just 45 minutes outside Baltimore. However, he grew up a fan of the Dallas Cowboys, not the Ravens. Yet, Anderson could make some of a homecoming in this game, and it would be a huge start for him if McCormick can not play.

If McCormick can play, he will be hampered, and Anderson will be on standby. McCormick’s rookie season has been a promising one, and even though he replaced Anderson, it’s clear that McCormick’s ascent has continued.

“Mason, he’s been great,” Anderson said. “Obviously, some people could easily be like, ‘Hey, aren’t you mad about or sad about (being replaced),’ but you know, no. That’s immature to (react that way). That’s not really being a good teammate or being a good player or being a good person. That’s not in my character.”

The Steelers will look to figure this out pregame, where McCormick might go through a pregame warmup to determine the functionality of that hand. He is questionable to play, and the Steelers do not want to put him out there if he will not be able to use both of his hands at a high level.