The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a position battle at left tackle since draft night when they selected Broderick Jones with the 14th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Dan Moore Jr. did not give up his spot in training camp or in the preseason and has started for the majority of the year, however he was hurt in the Steelers Week 4 loss to the Houston Texans which allowed for Jones to get his first start in Week 5 against the Steelers' division rival, the Baltimore Ravens.
%202023%20Camp%20Final%20with%20Logos/2L9A5091-544x306.jpg "Steelers Dan Moore Jr")
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers left tackle Dan Moore Jr. was able to beat out first-rounder Broderick Jones for the important spot along the offensive line.
Steelers' Mike Tomlin Addresses Dan Moore Jr.'s Health
Jones seemed to play well in his debut as a starter in Week 5, as he only allowed one pressure throughout the entire game and he certainly seemed to play well enough to lock up the starting job at left tackle for the foreseeable future. However, reports came out on Monday that Moore Jr. was seeing reps at left tackle with the starters during practice. This led to Jones refusing to speak to the media.
Associated Press
Steelers rookie Broderick Jones is doing all he can to win the starting left tackle spot in 2023.
During Head Coach Mike Tomlin's press conference on Tuesday ahead of Week 7, Tomlin answered many questions about adjustments made throughout the bye week. He also updated the media on some players' health and how they have progressed through their injuries. When asked if Moore Jr. will start this upcoming week if he is healthy, Tomlin tip toed around the question. But reading between the lines will lead you to believe that Moore will regain his starting spot if he's healthy.
"That's a big if, we got some work ahead of us. He'll be given an opportunity to show his progress over the course of the week and we'll make that decision at the appropriate time."
Many fans were excited to see Jones get some valuable playing time in Week 5 against Baltimore and played extremely well for it being such an intense rivalry game. A lot of people thought there would be no chance that Moore Jr. would have a chance to get his starting job back, but apparently Tomlin and the rest of the coaching staff are leaving the door open for him once he returns to full health.
Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers rookie offensive tackle Broderick Jones earned rave reviews for his first career start in Week 5 against the Ravens.
Frustration has been building amongst Steelers fans as the organization refuses to give its best young players more playing time. Every time rookie Joey Porter Jr. steps on the field, he is making plays, and he has one of the lowest passer ratings allowed against him in the entire league. However, the coaching staff won't commit to giving Porter Jr. increased responsibility on the field.
Now, Jones had a really impressive first start against a quality opponent, yet Moore Jr. will still be given an opportunity to return to the starting lineup. This comes after Moore Jr. has been one of the worst left tackles in football in the 2023 season according to Pro Football Focus. It's clear these rookies give the Steelers the best opportunity to win football games, yet they both might be stuck on the sidelines for longer than expected.
What do you think about Moore Jr. possibly starting again? Let us know in the comments below!
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