The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a rough go of it when it comes to their 2024 rookie class. Every player has looked good when they are able to get on the field, but there has been a litany of injuries to the group. First, it was Roman Wilson suffering a sprained ankle early on in training camp. Then it was Troy Fautanu, who suffered a knee injury in the team's first preseason game. He returned to practice ahead of the regular season and made his debut in Week 2 against the Denver Broncos, but another knee injury has popped up.
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Zach Frazier and Troy Fautanu work on blocking drills during Organized Team Activities (OTAs).
Fautanu played well in his debut in Denver, and he was set to start again at right tackle in Week 3. He suffered an unfortunate knee injury in practice on Friday, which Broderick Jones told the media about after practice finished. Fautanu went through some testing on the knee and the team announced on Saturday that he would be placed on Injured Reserve.
We have placed OL Troy Fautanu on the Reserve/Injured list. @BordasLaw https://t.co/u0Pm4ZbhOL
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) September 21, 2024
This now means Jones will be starting at right tackle in Week 3, and likely for the foreseeable future. Fautanu will miss at least the next four games due to his injury. The specifics have not been reported yet, but the fact that he had to go through a lot of additional testing is not a good sign.
Steelers.com
Steelers' Troy Fautanu during practice in 2024.
Steelers' Jones Now Has A Chance To Redeem Himself
Jones has had a rough go of it so far in 2024. The second-year player was expected to take a decent leap this season, but he has struggled throughout training camp and the preseason. He started Pittsburgh's Week 1 contest against the Atlanta Falcons and seemed to play well, but was replaced in the starting lineup by Fautanu going into Week 2.
AP
Steelers' Broderick Jones looks on during a home game in Pittsburgh in 2023.
Despite not being in the starting lineup in Week 2, Jones did see some playing time on the team's third possession. It was a horrific showing for Jones, as he messed up a few blocking assignments and was flagged three times. He committed a false start and had two holding penalties which are considered drive killers. This is especially true considering one of his penalties wiped away a 51-yard gain for Pittsburgh's offense.
With the unfortunate injury news regarding Fautanu, Jones will have a chance to make up for his Week 2 performance. Fautanu will miss at least the next four games, so Jones will be starting at right tackle for the foreseeable future. He has been dealing with a right arm injury which could be what is hindering his play, but he will have to fight through it to prove he should be starting.
How do you feel about Jones at right tackle? Let us know in the comments below!
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