-1600x900.webp)
Tired of all the annoying Ads?
Subscribe to Steeler Nation now and have an ad-free experience, as well as a connection to tens of thousands of other Steeler fans in the exclusive comment sections!
The Pittsburgh Steelers are coming off of one of their most embarrassing performances in recent memory against the Houston Texans, where they lost the game by a score of 30-6. Pittsburgh suffered quite a few injuries during the loss, including injuries to Pat Freiermuth, Kenny Pickett, and Dan Moore Jr. Moore Jr. suffered a knee injury in the second half, which opened the door for Broderick Jones to get his first regular season action in the NFL.
Gene J. Puskar / Associated Press
Steelers first-round pick, Broderick Jones.
Jones was the Steelers' first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. The team wanted him so badly that they traded up with the New England Patriots to be able to select him. Jones filled a strong need that the Steelers had at left tackle. Heading into OTAs and training camp, Jones was the backup to Moore Jr., and was never able to surpass him on the depth chart.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter / x: @JSKO_Photo)
Steelers left tackle Dan Moore Jr. is in jeopardy of losing his job, but former teammate Ben Roethlisberger thinks he will improve in 2023.
Steelers' Jones Will Make First Start
It was suspected that the Steelers were getting close to starting Jones over Moore Jr., mainly due to the string of poor performances by Moore Jr. and the offensive line as a whole. With the Steelers getting done with their first three weeks of the season, which featured them going up against three of the best pass-rushers in the NFL, many expected Moore Jr. to be pulled from the starting line up shortly. It's unfortunate it was due to injury, however many are excited to see the Steelers top pick get some work in. Head Coach Mike Tomlin spoke about Jones being inserted into the Week 4 game, and what he expects from him in his first start.
"He's been practicing really well. I feel really good about the amount of urgency that he has, the quality of his play. He's gotten his feet wet now. I thought the quality of his play improved over the course of the game. I think he gave up a pressure on his first snap, but I think he got better throughout the rest of the game. I think it's reasonable to expect him to be really solid with a week's preparation."
With a full week of preparation, Jones will be better suited to perform well in his first start than he was in Week 4 where he was unexpectedly inserted into the game. He will have his hands full against the talented Ravens defense, and their quality group of linebackers. His first start is also coming in a game that is apart of one of the biggest rivalries in the NFL, so the physicality and competitiveness will be on a different level than what he has experienced so far in his career.
Associated Press via Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers offensive line coach, Pat Meyer (left) and rookie left tackle, Broderick Jones (right) work together during 2023 offseason activities.
Other Steelers Injuries In Week 4
With Moore Jr. out and having a rookie start in his place, it can also be expected to see a lot more of Darnell Washington. Freiermuth suffered a hamstring injury and is doubtful for Week 5 against the Ravens, so Connor Heyward will be on the field more along with Washington. Washington caught his first pass in the NFL in Week 4 for 10 yards. He should be expected to be a larger part of the passing game with Freiermuth likely missing some time.
Washington was the Steelers third-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, and was seen as a steal because of his intimidating size. He stands at 6'7" and weighs 265 pounds, presenting himself as a matchup nightmare for most linebackers and safeties in the league. He has already proven himself as a good run blocker for Pittsburgh, and now hopefully he will become more involved in the passing game.
What do you expect from Jones in his first NFL start? Let us know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
