Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
Some startling news came to light earlier today when it was reported by Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk that rookie outside linebacker Jarvis Jones missed practice earlier today due to a head injury.
In addition to the Florio article, Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review and Scott Brown of ESPN.com tweeted the following eariler today as well:
#Steelers LB Jarvis Jones (head) did not practice Wednesday. Gilbert, Keisel, Miller, Woodley were limited.
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) October 16, 2013
OLB Jarvis Jones (head) was only Steelers player who didn't practice today. Mike Tomlin didn't mention Jones in injury update on Tuesday.
— Scott Brown (@ScottBrown_15) October 16, 2013
While the type of injury that rookie sustained has not been disclosed, the injury itself could not have come at a more detrimental time for Jones and the Steelers.
Jones is coming off of one of his best performances of his young career against the New York Jets, and is looking better and more comfortable each week as a starter. The 1-4 Steelers are set to face off in a key divisional game against the Baltimore Ravens, and Pittsburgh’s defense will need Jones to help supply some heat off of the edge as a pass-rusher.
Whether or not Jones will practice tomorrow or at any point throughout the week is still a mystery, but this cannot be good news for Pittsburgh or their rookie outside linebacker. If Jones is unable to suit up, Jason Worilds will have to step up and assume the starting job at right outside linebacker until the Steelers’ most recent first round pick returns.
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