Broderick

Jones

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.

The Steelers sent pick No. 17 and a fourth-round selection to move up. Jones (6’5/311) was a 5-star recruit, and the 2nd-ranked tackle, from Lithonia, Georgia in the 2020 recruiting class, according to 247 Sports. Though he earned minimal snaps in his true Freshman year, Jones managed to win All-SEC Freshman Team honors in his 2021 RFr campaign in relief of injured starter, Jamaree Salyer. The two-time national champion started all 15 games for the Bulldogs at LT last year, allowing zero sacks and just nine pressures while earning AP First-Team All-SEC honors for his efforts. His 84.1 PFF pass block grade is the third-highest mark in the Power Five, as Jones may be the most agile OT in the 2023 class. His 1.67s 10-yard split (99th%) raised eyebrows at the Combine and his 9.56 RAS proves he has the requisite traits to make a smooth transition to the NFL. In addition to verified athleticism, his ability to pull and operate in space is exceptional. Jones also possesses a plus anchor and great functional strength that is displayed whether he is playing in a phone booth or on the run. Needing to get a better evaluation of what they have in Kenny Pickett, the Steelers are hoping to give the second-year passer more clean pockets to work from in 2023.