Steelers' Mike Tomlin Clearly Upset With OT Chukwuma Okorafor's Foolish Actions In Week 8

The Pittsburgh Steelers were very clear with their intentions in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Originally set to have the 17th overall pick, General Manager Omar Khan jumped over the tackle-needy New York Jets and selected Broderick Jones out of the University of Georgia at pick 14. Fans were thrilled with the move and it was the initial pick in a draft that is being very highly-regarded halfway through the 2023 season. The usage of the rookies has been put into question, and once thought of as the replacement for left tackle, Dan Moore Jr., Jones seems to be locked into a starting role on the right side instead.

Jones played very well in the Steelers Week 9 win against the Tennessee Titans on Thursday Night Football. He was a clear upgrade in the run blocking department and is the likely starter going forward, but not on the originally expected left side. In an interesting turn of events, Okorafor admitted to the media after the game that he is healthy and wasn't benched due to performance reasons, either.

Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette explained in a little more detail on X (formerly known a Twitter) after the game. Okorafor didn't get the nod because of some unknown immature actions.

"Steelers RT Chuks Okorafor said he was benched because of 'acting out' at the end of last week’s game in a way he shouldn’t have as a sixth-year vet. Added he isn’t sure if he’ll be back in the starting lineup next Sunday, but he hopes so."

This is a huge development on the offensive line because Okorafor has a salary cap hit of nearly $12 million in 2024. If he doesn't find his way back into a starting role, there is very little chance that the Steelers decide to keep him for the final season of his three-year, near-$30 million contract.

Head Coach Mike Tomlin held his usual Tuesday media session ahead of the team's Week 10 contest against the Green Bay Packers. Brooke Pyror, who covers the Steelers for ESPN, brought up Okorafor's postgame comments after the Tennessee game. She asked Tomlin directly if there was truth to Okorafor telling the media that he was benched for acting out after a Week 8 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

"A significant factor," Tomlin stated firmly.

Tomlin seemed rather irked by the media for the majority of the press conference, but he was stern in confirming that Okorafor was benched for potential attitude issues. He was clearly not happy when answering it and there's a possibility that something has been stemming when it comes to Okorafor and his actions in the locker room and on the field.

Steelers Fans Shouldn't Expect Jones At Left Tackle For The Foreseeable Future

Steelers fans wanted Jones in the lineup and it seems as if their wish will be granted moving forward. It's not shaking out in the expected way of Moore Jr. taking a seat on the bench, however. Tomlin was asked about the potential of Moore Jr. heading over to the right side when Jones is ready to protect Kenny Pickett's blindside, but it doesn't seem like that is happening anytime soon.

"He is significantly better at left than he is at right," Tomlin said about Moore Jr.

It will be an interesting situation to monitor as the 2023 season progresses. The rushing attack was phenomenal with Moore Jr. on the left and Jones on the right. Okorafor isn't in the good graces of Tomlin and could be riding the bench for the remainder of the year, barring an unexpected development or injury.

How do you want to see the Steelers offensive line set up? Let us know in the comments below!

#SteelerNation