Broderick

Jones

Steelers GM Omar Khan said last week that Jones may not be ready for camp. We now know why. The third-year tackle underwent fusion surgery to repair a neck injury he suffered in Week 12 of last season, which undoubtedly puts a giant question mark on his timeline for return. To make matters worse for Jones, the Steelers will need to decide by May 1st if they will pick up the fifth-year option for him in 2027, or if they will allow his contract to expire after 2026. Jones has started 27 of the last 28 games he has played in for the Steelers and will be 25 at the start of next season. His status will be one to monitor as we draw closer to camp.

Jones missed Weeks 13-18 and the playoffs with the neck injury, which appears to be quite serious. Dylan Cook started Pittsburgh’s playoff game against the Texans and would appear to be the reasonable depth headed into the season if Jones — on the final year of his rookie contract — isn’t able to go from the jump.

Jones played 49 snaps in Week 12 before giving way to Calvin Anderson at left tackle. Anderson is the likely replacement in Week 13. Tomlin also said that rookie DT Derrick Harmon (knee) will miss this game as well.

The good news for the Steelers is that LT Broderick Jones (groin) was cleared off the injury report after a full practice on Friday. Seumalo downgraded from two limited practices to a DNP on Friday and feels like he’s on the pessimistic side of questionable. Spencer Anderson handled left guard duties in Week 10 without Seumalo.

Generally offensive linemen will play off murkier statuses than most positions, so we’d be surprised if Jones wasn’t at least questionable now that he has made an appearance following Wednesday’s DNP. Calvin Anderson would be the next man up if Jones isn’t able to get right for Week 11’s game against the Bengals.

Jones also dealt with a groin issue during the offseason, though it’s unclear if the two issues are related. Calvin Anderson would likely be the next man up if Jones misses time. On the bright side, left guard Isaac Seumalo was limited in practice after missing Week 10. He appears to be on track to return this week.

Jones left Sunday’s practice with a soft tissue injury. The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo confirmed the team’s starting left tackle is dealing with a groin issue and is working his way back. Jones worked during individual periods, but did not participate in the live-contact practice for the Steelers on Wednesday. There is no indication this is a severe injury just yet, but one to keep an eye on as camp progresses.

The injury’s severity is unknown. Hopefully, the team’s starting left tackle will not be out for long. ESPN’s Brooke Pryor adds that Jones “left the field to have his right hip and upper thigh/groin area wrapped by Steelers medical staff.” He was notably spotted getting his hamstring stretched between periods on Saturday. While we don’t have an official designation yet, it certainly appears to be a hamstring injury.

The rookie made his first career start last week. He took over at right tackle and played well in his debut, allowing two pressures but no sacks on 29 pass-blocking reps according to Pro Football Focus. The No. 20 overall pick was one of many recent moves made by the Steelers to bolster their offensive line. Broderick Jones, taken in the first round of the 2023 draft, started at right tackle in Week 1 and will presumably reclaim that job until Fautanu returns.

The Steelers traded up to select Jones with the No. 14 overall pick on draft night. The former Georgia Bulldog is expected to be a much-needed upgrade on an offensive line that struggled at times to keep Kenny Pickett upright. Jones allowed zero sacks in 15 games last season and earned AP First-Team All-SEC honors as a result. In addition to providing added protection in the passing game, Jones should also bolster a rush attack that’s expected to be among the more aggressive in the league.