Jarvis Jones Sent to Hospital For Chest Injury
Aug 24, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jarvis Jones (95) runs the ball after a turnover against the Kansas City Chief in the second half at Heinz Field. The play was overturned and the Chiefs retained possession. The Chiefs won the game in overtime, 26-20. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
As if Le’Veon Bell’s bum knee and foot weren’t enough for Pittsburgh’s coaching staff to worry about, now they have to wonder about the health of Jarvis Jones after he went down with an injury during the fourth quarter of the Steelers’ 26-20 OT loss to the Chiefs.
Pittsburgh’s most recent first round pick, who had been making splash plays during the first three games of the preseason, was actually sent to the hospital after he sustained a chest injury according to Bob Labriola. The injury itself was bad enough, but the ultimate insult to it was that it happened after Jones made what should have been a game-clinching interception. The turnover was unfortunately erased after a boneheaded penalty by Josh Victorian, and the Chiefs retained possession because of it.
The extent of Jones’ injury is not known yet, but it looked like he hurt himself when he fell on the ball after he was tackled. Even if the injury is minor though, I would have a hard time believing that Pittsburgh’s brass would want the outside linebacker to play in the team’s final preseason game against Carolina on Thursday night.
If Jones is sidelined for an extended period however, then the starting right outside linebacker job will belong to Jason Worilds by default. The veteran, who has started 10 games and logged 10.0 sacks during his three-year professional career, must step up while the rookie is sidelined and has to provide a competent compliment to LaMarr Woodley while both are on the field.
I really hope that the rookie’s injury is nothing too serious, especially since he was showing some flashes of solid play during his first three preseason games. Unfortunately, injuries are a part of the game and it will be up to Worilds to step up while Jones is on the mend.
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