Andrus Peat has had a long and distinguished career as an offensive tackle in the NFL.
Peat is in his 11th season overall and first with the Pittsburgh Steelers after spending his first nine years with the New Orleans Saints and last season with the Las Vegas Raiders. The Saints drafted Peat in the first round in 2015 from Stanford, and he made three straight Pro Bowl appearances from 2018-20.
With that kind of resume, it would be easy to assume that Peat has been frustrated during his first season with the Steelers after being signed as a free agent during training camp. The 32-year-old has appeared in just two of the Steelers' 12 games and had been a forgotten man until last week.
Peat got the start at left tackle in place of Broderick Jones, who was placed on injured reserve with a neck injury before the Steelers' 26-7 loss to the Buffalo Bills last Sunday. And Peat will start again on Sunday when the Steelers visit the Ravens for a pivotal AFC North game in Baltimore. The Steelers and Ravens are tied for the division lead despite 6-6 records.
However, Peat has not complained about his lack of snaps. Instead, he says he likes being with the Steelers.
"I always try to stay ready for any situation, but it's a great opportunity, and I'm excited for it," Peat said of getting the chance to start. "It's been great. I've definitely enjoyed my time here. It's a great locker room and great coaching staff."
Peat started only one game for the Raiders in 2024. So, this will be the first time he has started consecutive games in two years.
"It takes a little to get adjusted, but I mean it's definitely coming back to me," Peat said. "Felt a little rusty, but as the game went on, I started to settle in."
The Steelers need Peat to protect quarterback Aaron Rodgers' blindside. Rodgers is 42 years old and playing with a broken left wrist. He was sacked only once last week, but he also threw for just 117 yards while completing 10 of 21 passes.
"We've got to make sure we're putting him in the best position and protecting him," Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith said of Rodgers.