Jarvis Jones Out of Hospital, Tests Negative, Steelers Believe He Suffered Bruised Sternum or Chest

Aug 10, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jarvis Jones (95) looks on from the sidelines against the New York Giants during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The New York Giants won 18-13. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Steelers experienced quite the scare on Saturday night when Jarvis Jones had to be carted off of the field during the fourth quarter of Pittsburgh’s 26-20 OT loss to Kansas City.  The outside linebacker, who appeared to have injured himself when he fell on the ball after a soon-to-be negated interception, was actually taken to the hospital after he left the field and underwent a series of tests on his chest.

Thankfully for Pittsburgh’s brass and defensive staff, the tests on Jones’ chest came back negative according to “Pro Football Talk’s” Mike Florio.  Although the team did not specify which tests were conducted, Florio reported later today that the Steelers believe that Jones only sustained a bruised sternum or chest.

At least to me, this is great news, especially since it is unlikely that Jones sustained something worse such as a broken sternum or collarbone.  While Florio reported that Jones has the option of seeking a “second opinion” on his injury, the fact that the injury could have been far worse is definitely a huge plus.

While the diagnosis is positive, I still hope that the Steelers’ brass elect to keep Jones out of their final preseason game this Thursday against Carolina for precautionary reasons.  Plus, it would not hurt Jason Worilds to take some extra reps as the starter at outside linebacker since a platoon-system could happen at some point during the upcoming regular season.

For now though, let’s just be stoked that Jones had at least a somewhat positive diagnosis.  Furthermore, let’s hope that Pittsburgh’s most recent first round pick can stay healthy enough to contribute on the defensive side of the ball this fall.

Players Stats & Info. Provided By: ESPN.com, Steelers.com and Pro Football Reference

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