The Pittsburgh Steelers have been very set on revamping the team’s offensive line in recent years. The latest part of that mission came in the 2024 NFL Draft with the selections of Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier and Mason McCormick. Fautanu made his professional debut in Week 2 against the Denver Broncos, and played exceptionally well. He was bouncing back from a knee injury that he suffered during the preseason. Unfortunately, the injury issues for the rookie continued during Week 3 preparation and the organization may be without the young lineman for several weeks, or even months.
Sebastian Foltz / Post-Gazette
Steelers offensive linemen Troy Fautanu and Zach Frazier work out with the team.
According to Adam Schefter over at ESPN, the Steelers promising rookie is expected to be out indefinitely. The news is certainly concerning after Broderick Jones' poor performance against the Broncos.
Sources: Steelers starting rookie right tackle Troy Fautanu injured his knee during Friday’s practice and, while he still is undergoing further evaluation, he now is expected to be sidelined indefinitely. pic.twitter.com/5fqRA5xreT
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 21, 2024
While there is no timetable for his return, and uncertainty regarding how serious he could be injured, the line for the Steelers' offense has suffered yet another bad break that will affect the unit and offense moving forward.
%202023%20Camp%20Final%20with%20Logos/2L9A5201-544x306.jpg "Steelers Broderick Jones")
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter / X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers offensive tackle Broderick Jones (#77) walks on the field at St. Vincent College as the team practices during 2023 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
The team is focused on running the football and despite starting off 2-0, the offense is averaging less than four yards per carry on the ground. Consistent play from the offensive line will be critical, but it will be hard for the group to gel with several players in and out of the lineup. There has to be a little bit of concern in the locker room, especially after Fautanu's strong debut and Jones' poor play.
The Steelers will take on the Los Angeles Chargers in the home opener on Sunday, and it is expected to be a ground-and-pound, old school football contest. There is no doubt that whichever team runs the ball more effectively will come out victorious. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Gerry Dulac reported ahead of the game that it isn't looking good for Fautanu.
Fautanu getting several independent evaluations on his knee, which usually isn’t a good sign. https://t.co/hk0yEsNbAL
— Gerry Dulac (@gerrydulac) September 21, 2024
Fans will anxiously await an update on Fautanu, but the worst case scenario in this situation is a season-ending knee injury. That would certainly turn the tables when it comes to the team's offensive line moving forward.
%202023%20Camp%20Final%20with%20Logos/2L9A5557-544x306.jpg "Steelers Najee Harris")
Jordan Schofield / Steeler Nation (Twitter / X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers running back Najee Harris (#22) gets ready to put his helmet on during a 2023 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Steelers To Rely On Jones To Bounce Back
After three penalties and a mid-series benching in Denver, Jones will be tasked with responding to the noise of those concerned with his play in his second year. The 2023 first-round pick was traded up for by Pittsburgh and now will get an opportunity to redeem himself. Unfortunately, it will be on the right side and not the left, which is not what anyone expects his long-term position to be.
How much does Fautanu's injury hurt the Steelers? Let us know in the comments below!
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