Steelers first-round rookie offensive deal with Troy Fautanu is at present sidelined with a knee damage that he suffered in his preseason debut in opposition to the Houston Texans.
Nevertheless, when he returns, he might be Pittsburgh’s starting right tackle, based on Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Put up-Gazette.
That’s the reason he’s centered on bettering his psychological recreation within the meantime.
“It is robust,” Fautanu said. “Simply ensuring I take it day-to-day and ensuring I am not falling off playbook stuff, no matter set up’s stepping into, ensuring I am prepared for no matter alternative involves me.”
Fautanu’s first NFL motion was filled with ups and downs. He allowed defensive finish Danielle Hunter to sack quarterback Justin Fields within the opening sequence, however as soon as he settled down, he appeared the half.
“I felt like I did not play my greatest recreation. It was a variety of nerves being my first NFL recreation, however on the similar time, I nonetheless maintain myself to that normal,” Fautanu added. “Simply ensuring the subsequent time I do play within the stadium, that I am able to go.”
Fautanu has all of the bodily instruments to achieve success on the subsequent degree, standing at 6-foot-4, 317 kilos with an 82-inch wingspan. That is why he believes the one factor standing between him and being nice is his head.
“I believe my greatest enemy, personally talking, is simply this factor proper right here,” Fautanu stated whereas pointing to his head. “Simply overthinking an excessive amount of typically, not going on the market and letting my capacity take over.”
Sadly, Fautanu will not have the ability to follow staying out of his head till he’s medically cleared.
He is hopeful that point will come forward of the Steelers’ Week 1 matchup in opposition to the Atlanta Falcons, however he is already missed out on a number of worthwhile reps.
Fautanu would not need to waste his time worrying about that, nevertheless.
“There’s nothing else I can do however method the problem head up,” Fautanu concluded. “I can not hope and need that I had extra time within the preseason, simply ensuring I am making ready myself mentally greater than something. That is kinda what I felt like held me again the primary time.”
All quotations obtained firsthand until in any other case famous.