The Pittsburgh Steelers are looking for some ways to boost their depleted offensive line after all the injuries that the core has already suffered. The offensive tackle position has started to get healthier at least, as Broderick Jones had a much better game in the regular season opener than he did in the preseason. They are also still waiting for Isaac Seumalo to heal up and take over at left guard again. The Steelers are just hoping that the injury bug has passed and that they can have a healthy unit going into each game moving forward.
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Offensive tackle Dan Moore Jr. runs out of the tunnel before a Pittsburgh Steelers game.
While everyone else seemed healthy, that was apparently not the case. During his weekly press conference, Head Coach Mike Tomlin announced that their starting left tackle, Dan Moore Jr., suffered an ankle injury, so the Steelers will have to wait and see how quick he recovers from it.
"Dan Moore had an ankle (injury) that swelled up on him yesterday. It may limit him in the early portions of the week. We'll see where that leads us."
The swelling of the ankle could mean anything. It could just be a minor issue that settles down before practice during the week, or it could be a sprain that keeps him out of the next game. There is no certainty on how severe of an injury it is currently, so the Steelers will have to just play it by ear. He may have to rest during practice and give the younger guys a chance to participate.
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Steelers' rookie Troy Fautanu during one of his first plays in the big leagues.
If Moore can't start, then Jones will likely move to the left side of the line, and first-round rookie, Troy Fautanu will slot into right tackle and make his first career start. Both had injury concerns during the preseason, but Jones seems to be healed up from it, and the rookie lineman did not have an injury designation before their Week 1 game. Both are healthy enough to play, so the team won't have to worry too much about Moore potentially missing a game.
Steelers Got A Glimpse Of Jones' Ability At His Natural Position
In Week 4 of 2023, Jones had to enter the game after Moore suffered an injury, which resulted in him starting the next game as well. He did an exceptional job during that time period, but he got benched again when Moore got healthy after their early bye week. Jones eventually made it back to the starting lineup, but shifted over to the right side, where he played to open up the 2024 season.
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Offensive tackle Broderick Jones walks off the field after a 2023 Pittsburgh Steelers game.
While the Steelers already know what Jones is capable of, Fautanu is still a wild card. The rookie missed the final preseason game and a lot of practice due to his knee issue. He was drafted in the first-round for his talent, but has he had enough reps to be ready to play a whole game at right tackle, especially when he mainly played left in college? There's only one way to find out, and that is to start him and see what he has.
While Moore is the starting left tackle in 2024, he is obviously not in the Steelers' long-term plans. The Steelers didn't use back-to-back first-round picks on offensive tackles just to have one ride the bench. At some point in time, Jones will move to the blind side and Fautanu will fit in on the opposite end. It may be better for them to just start with that as soon as possible and let them develop chemistry than to play a somewhat-injured Moore for reasons of seniority.
What do you think about Moore's swollen ankle, as well as the potential for Fautanu to make his first career start in Week 2? How will the rookie lineman fare if/when he gets his chance? Let us know in the comments below, or on our social media channels!
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