Steelers' Chukwuma Okorafor Admits Situation Is "Day-To-Day"; Thinks Rookie Broderick Jones Will Start Week 10

We finally saw Pittsburgh Steelers rookie Broderick Jones back in the starting lineup in Week 9 against the Tennessee Titans. He performed exceptional, but this time, it was at right tackle. He didn't exactly get the start based off the poor performance of Chukwuma Okorafor, but rather the veteran was sat due to disciplinary reasons. Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin confirmed this in his press conference on Tuesday.

No one knows what was said or done to warrant the benching, and Okorafor refused to get into the specifics on Wednesday. When speaking to reporters, via Chris Adamski of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Okorafor had some interesting comments. For now, he remains on the bench, as evidenced by the team's updated change to the depth chart early in the week.

"I mean, no one wants to be benched... I think like I said, just kind of [take it] day by day. I can't really speak about what's going to happen next week or in two weeks. I just kind of take it day by day. At this point, I'm just trying to help out Broderick," Okorafor said to Adamski on Wednesday.

It continues to be an all-around weird situation. No one knows what's going on, but for now, Okorafor remains in the doghouse. On Tuesday, Jones was officially listed as a co-starter on the team's depth chart alongside Okorafor. Tomlin admitted the team hadn't decided on who would start at right tackle in Week 10 just yet. Rather, Okorafor told media on Wednesday that he expects Jones to start his third career contest.

Okorafor has started 61 career games in Pittsburgh, including two playoff contests. The 2018 third-rounder has spent all six years with the team, but his tenure could be coming to an end shortly. The front office signed the veteran right tackle to a three-year, $29.25 million extension ahead of the 2022 season, but he hasn't lived up to that kind of money. On the season, Pro Football Focus ranks him 44th amongst 77 offensive tackles with a 61.6 overall grade.

Are The Steelers Ready To Move On From Okorafor?

That's not cutting it for a guy with a $13+ million cap hit in 2023. Due to the large contract, which goes through the 2024 season, this was always going to be a debate this upcoming offseason. Now, with this recent drama, Okorafor's chances of staying on the team next season have dropped even more. Still, he has been better than left tackle Dan Moore Jr., albeit the two are playing different positions. 

Also, they are obviously earning vastly different amounts of money. It's important to remember that Okorafor wasn't benched for performance reasons, but rather disciplinary reasons. Based off his comments though, it seems as if Jones will indeed start against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. The rookie has earned it, as he has been particularly impressive in the run game.

It's another crucial contest for the Steelers, who sit at 5-3 halfway through the season. With four division games remaining on the schedule, they will have to take advantage of games like this one. At the moment, all four AFC North teams would be in the playoffs. Despite a negative point differential, Tomlin and his squad have simply found ways to win in 2023.

What do you make of this ongoing situation between Tomlin and Okorafor? Will the team move on from the veteran after the 2023 season? Do you think the team will keep Jones at right tackle for the future? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!

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