Steelers' Broderick Jones Declines To Speak With Media After Dan Moore Likely Regains Starting Spot

The Pittsburgh Steelers had a plan to gradually increase the involvement of their rookies following the Week 6 bye. This strategy was widely anticipated by fans, who hailed the 2023 NFL Draft class as a remarkable triumph. Although the rookies demonstrated their individual skills during the first month of the season, the Steelers, true to their cautious approach, refrained from hastily thrusting these newcomers into significant playing opportunities. 

While Dan Moore Jr. has started the first four games of the season, it may be necessary to consider replacing him with rookie Broderick Jones as the starting left tackle. The situation is more complex than it seems at first glance, however. Moore's MCL sprain prevented him from playing in Week 5, allowing Jones to have his debut against the Baltimore Ravens and present his talent. During the game, Jones displayed exceptional skill and performed almost flawlessly.

The Steelers appear to have been considering their choices, and it appears quite probable that Moore will return to the starting lineup on Sunday when the club travels to SoFi Stadium to take on the Los Angeles Rams. While Jones chose not to speak with the media, Moore acknowledged that he had been assigned to the first team as the left tackle during Monday's practice. Nevertheless, he chose not to offer any further information or insights about this development.

“You can say that I had a little bit of limited reps,” Moore said. “I don’t know, I just go and do what I am asked. Every period I was out there so…”

Following their Week 1 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, Moore found himself last in rankings for offensive tackles according to Pro Football Focus. Despite being selected by the Steelers in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft and starting in every game at left tackle before Week 5 of 2023, Moore's inconsistent performance on the field has become a cause for concern.

Regardless, it is evident that the Steelers are not prepared to hand over the starting left tackle position to Jones just yet, as Moore was seen practicing with the first team. Despite Jones making his first NFL start against Baltimore last week and performing reasonably well, the organization seems to have a careful manner in granting him the starting role.

Since Monday is considered an additional practice session following their bye week, the Steelers have decided not to provide a practice report. Fans may anticipate the release of the report on Wednesday afternoon. While it is possible that the team's intentions for the left tackle position will be discussed during Tuesday's press conference with Head Coach Mike Tomlin, it is not definite. Moore will possibly resume his starting position on Sunday, demoting the other offensive lineman as the team attempts to preserve stability on its offensive line.

Steelers Fans Could Very Well Be Seeing Moore as a Starter Over Jones

If Moore is reinstated in his position, it is likely that this decision will draw interest and not be well received by a fan base that is already quite agitated due to the ongoing presence of Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada. Although his performance during the game against the Ravens may have been just a single instance, it was clear that Jones seamlessly fit into the team, leaving the Steelers with a tough decision. The possibility of Jones starting has created the belief that he will claim the left tackle role, introducing an aspect of unpredictability to the dynamics of the team.

Who do you think will secure the starting left tackle spot this Sunday? Do you think the rookie Jones is deserving enough to stay the starter after his impressive Week 5 performance? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!

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