Woof, talk about a rocky start! After battling back from a brutal season-ending injury last year that included surgery and a grueling recovery timeline, Steelers offensive tackle Broderick Jones is having one heck of an up-and-down training camp and preseason. You gotta feel for the guy trying to get back on the field, but the pressure is clearly on.
The Stakes Couldn’t Be Higher for Jones
Things got real bumpy for Jones just last week in Week 2 of the preseason. Playing at home against the New York Jets, he totally struggled, getting beat for a pair of sacks. Ouch! For a former first-round draft pick out of Georgia, that’s absolutely not the kind of highlight reel you want when you’re fighting for your career. This isn’t just about winning a starting spot either; Jones is entering the final year of his rookie deal. What’s even wilder is that the Steelers *already declined* his fifth-year option. That’s a massive red flag waving in the wind, telling him this season is his ultimate prove-it moment. He’s not just battling for a place in the lineup; he’s playing for his entire next contract, and probably his long-term future in the league.
One Side or Bust for This Comeback Kid
Adding to the drama, Jones has been shuffled all over the offensive line this summer, playing both left and right tackle. And let’s be real, nobody wants to be bouncing back and forth, especially when you’re trying to re-establish yourself after a major injury. Jones himself is crystal clear on it. He told Brendan Howe, “I would rather not,” about swinging between sides. His reasoning is totally valid, too: “Me coming back from injury, I would rather not swing like that. I would rather stick to one side and just continue to focus on that one side, but wherever the team needs me , that’s right and left , I just gotta continue to get better so I can help my team.” He’s a team player, sure, but his preference is obvious and understandable. If he had to choose, he’d pick left tackle in a heartbeat. That’s his more natural spot and where he was already accustomed to playing before he went down for the year in Week 12 against the Chicago Bears. He actually started his rookie season on the right side of the offensive line before making that move to left tackle.
What’s Next for This Battling Tackle?
So, what’s next for Broderick Jones? He’s in the ultimate prove-it year, trying to lock down *one* tackle spot, preferably his natural left side, and finally earn that next contract. Every single snap, every block, every pass protection rep counts for him right now. He’s gotta get better, fast, and show he can be consistent. It’s high stakes football for the former Bulldog, and we’ll be watching to see if he can finally stick to one side and deliver.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Behind the Steel Curtain.
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