The Pittsburgh Steelers lost their second preseason game, this time against the Buffalo Bills, 9-3. It was an overall disappointing performance for the offense as a whole, as it was not able to consistently move the ball down the field. The offensive line struggled throughout the game, giving up sacks, not allowing their quarterbacks time to survey down the field, and just not being able to get the run game going at all in the first half. One of the offensive lineman in particular, Broderick Jones, not only had a game he would love to forget, but might have made a lingering injury worse during the game.
Tyler Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers offensive lineman Broderick Jones readies himself for the rush during a Week 18 game against the Baltimore Ravens in the 2023 season.
Jones, the former first-round pick out of the University of Georgia, could not contain Greg Rousseau at all. Rousseau would finish his night with 2.5 sacks, two tackles for loss, and four total tackles. After such a disappointing outing, when it came to talk to media and answer questions, Jones declined to talk to them. He told the media that he needed to meet with the doctor, most likely due to his injury he suffered early in training camp.
Broderick Jones declined an interview request. He said he had to meet with the doctor.
— Ray Fittipaldo (@rayfitt1) August 18, 2024
While it was odd timing that Jones would have to meet with the doctor instead of answering questions from the media about the game, he still is dealing with an injury. Jones injured his elbow earlier in training camp, having to wear a brace for it, and having to meet with the doctor could mean the injury is still lingering or has gotten worse. It could also be an explanation on his poor play and lack of power during the game.
Sebastian Foltz / Post-Gazette
Steelers' James Daniels and Broderick Jones laugh during camp.
Jones' elbow could be the explanation of his lack of power and his poor hand placement that was on display throughout the game. He would finish out his snaps without showing signs that his injury was truly bothering him, but it was obvious that this wasn't the same Jones that fans watched during his rookie campaign in 2023..
The Steelers' offensive line has already lost players this preseason to injury. First-round pick Troy Fautanu, from the University of Washington, will be out for a few weeks due to a knee injury he suffered in the first preseason game and Nate Herbig was also lost due to a shoulder injury. Although, the Steelers expect Fautanu back before a Week 1 matchup with the Atlanta Falcons, it would be a massive blow if Jones' injury could sideline him for an extended period of time.
Gene J. Puskar / Associated Press
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman, Broderick Jones (#77) sets up at the line of scrimmage and prepares to block during a 2023 preseason game against the Buffalo Bills at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA.
In Mike Tomlin's press conference after the game, he did not mention Jones as a player dealing with an injury. While it might not be anything too concerning, it will be something to monitor next week as the Steelers prepare for their final preseason game on the road against the Detroit Lions.
Steelers Need Jones at 100% by Week 1
The Steelers have spent the last two years building their offensive line through the draft, spending their first-round picks at the tackle positions. While Jones' injury could possibly be nothing serious, losing another tackle right before the season would not be very ideal.
With the hope that Jones is moved back to his natural position where he shined in his starting debut against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 5 of last season, the poor performance against the Bills could just be a hiccup on the right side. Once Jones has more stability and focusing on one position, he will certainly be fine.
Do you think this poor preseason performance by Jones isn't really anything to worry about or is a sophomore slump looming for the former first round pick. Let us know what you think in the comments.
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