Broderick Jones isn't feeling the pressure of a make-or-break season, but his first real test of adversity has come early in training camp.
After going through the initial warmups in Sunday's practice at Saint Vincent College, Jones wound up playing just one rep of the seven shots drill early in practice, and then was sidelined for the remainder of the session. Prior seven shots, Jones had his right leg taped up higher up around his hamstring.
Mike Tomlin described the issue as a "day-to-day" lower-body injury. While Jones was out, both Calvin Anderson and Dylan Cook took reps at first-team left tackle, with Cook earning the majority of those reps.
"We're just acclimating," Tomlin said of the pecking order behind Jones. "Certainly, he's a veteran guy that's been around and has served in that capacity before. But, I'm not assuming anything at this juncture, at this early stage of development regarding specific roles and specialization."
Jones came into OTAs and training camp about 20 pounds lighter his playing weight last season in an effort to minimize the risk of injuries. That was something he did on his own, not mandated by the team.
"If I have to put more weight on, I can. I have time to do that," Jones said before Friday's practice. "I want my body to be in the best shape as possible. All those extra pounds cause little lingering injuries that we try to prevent."
This is a critical season for Jones. After a promising rookie season, Jones very much endured a sophomore slump. According to Pro Football Focus, he tied for 15th among all offensive tackles with 10 penalties and allowed 43 pressures, the seventh-most among tackles.
The Steelers have to make a decision on Jones' fifth-year option next offseason, which makes this season a do-or-die campaign. If he has to play catch up because of injuries in training camp, it's going to put him at a disadvantage going into the most important season of his career.
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THE ASYLUM
Jones 'day-to-day' with lower-body injury
Broderick Jones isn't feeling the pressure of a make-or-break season, but his first real test of adversity has come early in training camp.
After going through the initial warmups in Sunday's practice at Saint Vincent College, Jones wound up playing just one rep of the seven shots drill early in practice, and then was sidelined for the remainder of the session. Prior seven shots, Jones had his right leg taped up higher up around his hamstring.
Mike Tomlin described the issue as a "day-to-day" lower-body injury. While Jones was out, both Calvin Anderson and Dylan Cook took reps at first-team left tackle, with Cook earning the majority of those reps.
"We're just acclimating," Tomlin said of the pecking order behind Jones. "Certainly, he's a veteran guy that's been around and has served in that capacity before. But, I'm not assuming anything at this juncture, at this early stage of development regarding specific roles and specialization."
Jones came into OTAs and training camp about 20 pounds lighter his playing weight last season in an effort to minimize the risk of injuries. That was something he did on his own, not mandated by the team.
"If I have to put more weight on, I can. I have time to do that," Jones said before Friday's practice. "I want my body to be in the best shape as possible. All those extra pounds cause little lingering injuries that we try to prevent."
This is a critical season for Jones. After a promising rookie season, Jones very much endured a sophomore slump. According to Pro Football Focus, he tied for 15th among all offensive tackles with 10 penalties and allowed 43 pressures, the seventh-most among tackles.
The Steelers have to make a decision on Jones' fifth-year option next offseason, which makes this season a do-or-die campaign. If he has to play catch up because of injuries in training camp, it's going to put him at a disadvantage going into the most important season of his career.
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Become a member, and enjoy premium benefits! Make your voice heard on the Steelers, Penguins and Pirates, and hear right back from tens of thousands of fellow Pittsburgh sports fans worldwide! Plus, access all our premium content, including Dejan Kovacevic columns, Friday Insider, daily Live Qs with the staff, more! And yeah, that's right, no ads at all!
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