When the Steelers’ offensive line gets healthy, who should start, and where?

The Pittsburgh Steelers are a team on the mend, or at least that is the hope as they prepare for the Denver Broncos in Week 5 of the regular season. As players like Chase Claypool, Chuks Okorafor and Zach Banner return from their respective injuries, it makes you wonder what the team’s lineup will look like at full health.

After all, the Steelers offensive line has been in flux dating back to the early stages of training camp. Nonetheless, it looks as if the dream of a fully healthy offensive line might be realized sooner, rather than later.

And that starts with Zach Banner returning to the lineup off Injured Reserve (IR). Last week the Steelers started the 21-day clock on Banner’s return, and Mike Tomlin recapped where Banner is from a health, and practice, standpoint during his Tuesday press conference.

“Zach Banner came back to work last week. We’ll continue to monitor his work.” Tomlin said. “We’re within that 21-day sequence where we have an opportunity to make a decision about whether or not to activate him. The quantity of his work will determine that, also the quality of his work will determine that. We’ll find ways to infuse him into the process and get a sense of where he is.”

On top of Banner’s eventual return, Chukwuma Okorafor is also likely to start his return to the lineup from the NFL’s concussion protocol. Granted, Kevin Dotson’s hip flexor injury could keep the offensive line in flux, but it makes you realize the Steelers could have all of their offensive linemen available to them in the coming future.

When you realize this, it makes you wonder what the team will do when they have all hands on deck. All options available.

Do they move Okorafor back to left tackle, and Banner to right tackle? Would they consider keeping Dan Moore, even through his struggles, at left tackle and re-insert Banner at right tackle? Or do they take a more wait-and-see approach to Banner and his return from the ACL injury in Week 1 of the 2020 season?

There are a lot of variables to consider, including the reported poor play of Kevin Dotson and Joe Haeg being a part of the improved offensive line play in Week 4.

So, this is the part where you chime in. What do you think the Steelers will do, and also what should the Steelers do? Let us know what you think in the comment section below.

But before you do that, know I fully expect the Steelers to move Okorafor to left tackle, and re-insert Banner at right tackle. If they feel Haeg’s play was above the line last Sunday, it will give the Steelers an option if Banner isn’t 100% ready to start.

Be sure to stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for the Denver Broncos this Sunday at Heinz Field in Week 5.