The Pittsburgh Steelers had their second day of training camp practice on Friday, and things were finally starting to heat up after the team was shaking the rust off when they returned to the field on Thursday. There was a tense battle between George Pickens and Joey Porter Jr. where Pickens shoved Porter Jr. to the ground, and the position battle between Broderick Jones and Dan Moore Jr. is officially underway. Jones saw his first rep with the first team and told 93.7 The Fan what it was like taking a snap with the first unit.
Associated Press / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers offensive line coach, Pat Meyer (left) and rookie left tackle, Broderick Jones (right) work together during 2023 offseason activities.
Jones Earns A Snap With The First Unit
Many were shocked and excited to hear that Jones got to see some time on the starting offensive line in practice on Friday. Head Coach Mike Tomlin had said in his press conference on Tuesday that Moore Jr. would be taking the majority of the snaps with the first unit, so it was unexpected to see Jones already getting a shot with the starters. It is anticipated that the Steelers will start the season with Moore Jr. at left tackle, as General Manager Omar Khan spoke about Jones having to earn a starting spot with the offense, despite being a first-round pick the organization traded up for.
Matt Freed / Pittsburgh Post Gazette
Steelers General Manager, Omar Khan speaks to the media.
No one thought Jones would be taking a snap with the starting offense this early in training camp, especially with it being only day two. However, it was reported that Moore Jr. had a rough day at practice on Thursday which might have opened the door just the slightest bit for Jones. Keep in mind, these practices are just in helmets and shorts. The team doesn't put on pads until Tuesday, which is when we'll be able to read more into who is playing where on the offensive line. The rookie didn't seem to read too much into his opportunity with the starting offense, and discussed how he's always prepared no matter the situation with 93.7 The Fan.
"Hey you never know with coaches, they may tell you just to go in. You could be in the bed and they'll tell you to go in, you don't ever know when they're going to throw you in. Just gotta always be prepared and have that open mind ready and go in and perform at the best of your ability."
Jones gave some details about how the decision to put him in went, and it was offensive line coach Pat Meyer that ultimately decided he wanted to see what the rookie could do with the rest of the starting offensive line. It wasn't a spur of the moment decision, as Jones said he was told before the practice period began that he would be getting a rep or two with the starters.
Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers rookie offensive tackle Broderick Jones participates in Organized Team Activities at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.
Again, Jones getting a rep with the starters on day two of training camp in just helmets and shorts does not mean he will be the starter any time soon. It's hard to judge what is going on with the guys in the trenches when they aren't in full pads. All that can be judged from the offensive line play this early in camp is foot work and hand placement, which will surely change some once the team has full contact periods in the coming weeks.
Nonetheless, it is reassuring that while the coaching staff is hopeful Moore Jr. will be the left tackle to begin the season, Jones is not being completely shut-out from playing with the starters and going against the elite edge rushers on the Steelers' defense. A match-up to look forward to will be both Moore Jr. lining up across from Alex Highsmith once the pads are put on next week, and hopefully Jones getting an opportunity to do the same.
Who do you think will win the starting left tackle job during training camp Steeler Nation? Let us know in the comments below!
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