Football
Broderick Jones has a steep hill to climb. Not just the one that serves as the backdrop of Saint Vincent College’s football fields, either.
Limited all spring with a neck injury as Pittsburgh drafted another first-round offensive tackle, Jones has a difficult path to reinsert himself into the starting conversation. It’s a point the PPG’s Ray Fittipaldo made Thursday.
“I think the expectation on Tuesday is he’s probably gonna start on PUP,” Fittipaldo told 93.7 The Fan’s Andrew Fillipponi and Chris Mueller. “And then you gotta start the clock, okay? One week, two weeks. To me, he’s gotta be off PUP and practicing before that first preseason game if he’s gonna really be a part of that competition.”
Pittsburgh’s preseason opener is Aug. 13 against the Green Bay Packers.
Jones suffered a freak neck injury last season that required spinal fusion surgery. He was cleared to practice during individual periods of the spring but not team sessions and admitted he had no timetable to fully return. Pittsburgh could place him on Active/PUP to begin training camp. He could still be activated off Active/PUP at any moment, but the more time he misses, the slimmer his already small chances become.
Troy Fautanu is assured to start at one of the tackle spots, likely on the left side. Dylan Cook and Max Iheanachor will battle on the other side. It leaves little room for Jones to make his case, an idea that will be reinforced the more time he sits out.
“If he’s not [activated within that time], then it’s probably gonna be, I hate to say it, another kinda lost season for him,” Fittipaldo said. “Because it’s tough to make up ground.”
Fittipaldo’s point is accurate. Jones has several factors working against him. Even if he’s healthy and cleared by mid-August, it’s doubtful he’ll be a serious contender to start.
Beginning the year as a backup might be best-case. It’s even plausible the Steelers dangle him on the trade market. With offensive line help always scarce and Jones on a cheap rookie contract, the league might have interest.
Tuesday’s report date should provide clarity on Jones’ initial status. Even if it brings good news of avoiding an injured list to begin the summer, Jones’ future with the team remains murkier than ever.
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