The Pittsburgh Steelers have been very lucky on the news for training camp that they have found out rookie tight end DJ Thomas-Jones did not suffer the kind of damage that would have been considered an Achilles tear as indicated by an account of a recent practice. What once seemed a season-ending injury has now been confirmed to be much less serious, giving reason to hope that the exciting undrafted rookie might still be contributing down the road in 2025.
Scott Donaldson / al.com
Steelers' DJ Thomas-Jones makes a catch in a college game.
This news comes now as the Steelers are winding their way through a crowded tight end room that will have to make some crucial depth decisions before the regular season begins. The status of this group, which has been under stress since OTAs, surprises as much as it is welcomed, providing a flicker of hope.
The Camp Scary Moment
It was a routine team drill; Thomas-Jones went down making a play and immediately grabbed his leg. He was helped off the field and ridden away on a cart, which immediately brought thoughts of a possible torn Achilles, the most dreaded injury in football because of the long and tortuous rehab that follows.
While addressing the media after practice, Mike Tomlin, the head coach, did not sugarcoat the grave nature of the situation, stating that the injury "looked significant." Nevertheless, Tomlin and the staff kept hoping for the best, awaiting the outcome of the medical imaging.
Good News From the Medical Examination
The medical results confirmed that, thankfully, Thomas-Jones did not tear his Achilles. Mike DeFabo of The Athletic reported that further testing revealed the injury would keep Thomas-Jones out for a serious length of time, but not the entire season.
Though the team has not given a specific recovery timeline, it expects Thomas-Jones back sometime during the regular season, a huge relief for the front office and coaching staff after injuries have thinned their tight end depth.
Who is DJ Thomas-Jones?
The undrafted free agent out of South Alabama arrived at the Steelers camp carrying a giant surge of momentum. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 240 pounds, he introduced himself as a versatile and physical being who had posted: 73 receptions, 653 receiving yards, and 12 touchdowns in two college seasons. He has played as an H-back, contributed to special teams, and has been a reliable red-zone target. There were praises from coaches about his football IQ and blocking reputation and his determination to get a spot on the 53-man roster.
An injury would thwart his Herculean attempt to stand out amidst so many able-bodied guys in the tight end room.
Concerns About the Tight Ends' Depth Continue
The Steelers came to camp with a splendid first-rate tight end group consisting of:
- Pat Freiermuth: Their go-to target over the middle, a tight end with great route-running skills.
- Jonnu Smith: A new signing who can easily add the explosive playmaking element.
- Darnell Washington: A massive and physical blocker who is yet an unrefined receiver.
However, this group became rather thin after Donald Parham tore his Achilles in OTAs. Now, while Thomas-Jones recovers, they are hastily left with Connor Heyward, a hybrid fullback/tight end, and JJ Galbreath, another undrafted free agent rookie.
Penn Live / Kylee Surike
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end JJ Galbreath looks on during a training camp session in Latrobe, staying focused as he competes for a roster spot and continues to make a strong impression as an undrafted rookie.
GTCC and the Spirit of Competition
This competition shows the very same toughness, resilience, and rising under pressure just as the NFL does but in a completely different arena: the GameZone Tablegame Champions Cup (GTCC). These premier esports tournament in the Philippines brings the players together from all corners of the nation for competition in traditional favorites like Tongits, Pusoy, and Lucky 9.
The GTCC stands not only for wins; it also stands for cultural celebrations, communal gatherings, and stories of every champion. It publicizes competitive excitement with a prize pool worth millions of pesos, blurring the lines between Filipino traditional charm and the contemporary liveliness of esports.
Players like DJ Thomas-Jones, in many respects, are reflecting the same journey: coming up the ranks, asserting themselves, and overcoming setbacks in search of greatness. Everywhere from the gridiron to the GTCC table, the spirit of competition remains strong.
Next Up for DJ Thomas-Jones?
Though Thomas-Jones is currently unavailable for action, he remains part of the equation for a roster spot or perhaps a practice squad spot. Should he return midseason, he could contribute significantly come the stretch run. The Steelers appreciate his effort and attitude, as well as his upside, and are not ready to give up on him just yet.
