Steelers Continue Confusing Plan for Jones in Preseason Loss

On paper, the Pittsburgh Steelers should be set up front. They invested two first-round picks in offensive tackles to be long-term bookends. A second-round pick has been spent on center Zach Frazier and he’s destined to start between veteran guards Isaac Seumalo and James Daniels. At its best, that’s a pretty good unit.

And yet, so little seems set where Pittsburgh has invested the most.

Offensive tackle Troy Fautanu went down with an MCL sprain in Friday’s 20-12 preseason loss to the Houston Texans. He isn’t expected to miss much time, but every snap seems crucial this summer.

The loss of Fautanu only complicates matters, particularly for 2023 first-round tackle Broderick Jones.

Jones split time at both tackle spots last year – primarily on the right side – but struggled, opening the door for questions this summer. Jones was tied for the most offensive snaps among Steelers on Friday (42), playing into the third quarter. That’s unusual at best and a reason to raise an eyebrow at Jones’ projection.

Even worse, Jones played both left and right tackle in the loss, continuing a trend from training camp.

Veteran left tackle Dan Moore has been adamant about sticking on the blindside and played six snaps there on Friday. That kicks Jones over to right tackle in Fautanu’s absence, pressing hold on the steps Jones has been making at left tackle.

Jones entered the league as a project, in need of a stable runway for development and the time to iron out the wrinkles in his pass protection. From last year’s pivots to putting Fautanu at right tackle and spelling him with Jones in the preseason, it feels like Pittsburgh has given him anything but that security.

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The Steelers aren’t entirely unreasonable here – head coach Mike Tomlin suggested Jones could play both spots before the game – but their actions aren’t suitable for optimizing development. There are short-term gains to be had by starting Moore at left tackle and Jones at the right until Fautanu is “ready.” Is that worth the long-term risks regarding Jones’ development?

Pittsburgh has a plan for Jones, Fautanu, and the rest of the offensive line. We’re just not sure it’s what the 2022 first-round pick needs to be successful.