Steelers' Promising Undrafted Rookie Suffers "Significant" Injury

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a clear focus during each NFL Draft that Omar Khan has been in charge of the front office. The team has wanted to build up the trenches in order to dominate the line of scrimmage, which is why so many selections have been used on both the offensive and defensive lines. Sometimes, however, it is not only the draft picks that are important parts to any given NFL franchise's future, but rather, the undrafted players that end up getting an opportunity. Pittsburgh has been known to focus on this pool and find diamonds several diamonds in the rough over the years.

The most present examples of this are Jaylen Warren and Beanie Bishop Jr., both of whom will contribute for the team in 2025. One new individual who has stood out over the course of the offseason has been rookie hybrid player, DJ Thomas-Jones. Coming off of a promising collegiate career at the University of South Alabama, the natural tight end is looking to find a permanent home at the professional level.

The Steelers gave Thomas-Jones a record-breaking signing bonus that was almost ruined by the Detroit Lions, but now, bad news lingers for the rookie as he suffered a significant injury during Sunday's training camp practice in Latrobe. ESPN's Brooke Pryor gave an update, and Head Coach Mike Tomlin recognized that the injury was significant.

It would be a crushing blow for the rookie if he has to miss a lot of time. The worst case scenario would be a season-ending injury, and that would absolutely hurt his chances of making his name known in the NFL. Thomas-Jones was a long shot to make the initial 53-man roster anyway, but he definitely had a place on the team's practice squad once September rolled around. Unfortunately, Tomlin and Khan may not have the opportunity to give him another chance.

The tight end room is extremely crowed for the Steelers, with it being headlined by Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith. Thomas-Jones had a chance to show the team that he might be worth a practice squad slot and future legitimate roster spot, but any significant injury that an undrafted rookie suffers could possibly ruin his ability to eventually get into a uniform on Sundays.

There will be more information that comes out regarding Thomas-Jones' injury in the coming days, but leaving on a cart during training camp is never a good sign. The first-year player could be looking at something that takes months to heal, and that can be assumed because of Tomlin's specific use of the word "significant."

Thomas-Jones may have had a chance to work in as a fullback for the Steelers, but even if that plan was on the table, it is officially on hold as the organization's decision-makers wait for official word on how serious it might be.

Steelers Preparing To Get Huge Seasons From Freiermuth And Smith

Pittsburgh made the decision to trade for Smith in order to pair him with Freiermuth in an offense that was desperate for another playmaker. The injury to Thomas-Jones won't be looked at as a positive, but he had very little chance of making an impact in 2025 regardless. The best situation possible would be for him to be out for a limited time, and end up landing on the practice squad. With Tomlin's update, however, that may not be the case.

Do you think the Steelers had plans for Thomas-Jones? Let us know in the comments below!

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