When the Pittsburgh Steelers kick off the 2025 regular season against the New York Jets, they know one thing for certain: Gang Green is going to run the ball.
New head coach Aaron Glenn has been straightforward all summer about what his offense would look like with former Steelers QB Justin Fields under center. They’ll lean on their impressive running backs, Braelon Allen and Breece Hall, and a stout offensive line.
Unfortunately for the Jets, that offensive line took a hit this week, as The Athletic’s NFL insider Diana Russini reports that guard Alijah Vera-Tucker has sustained a significant arm injury that could require surgery. While details surrounding the injury are murky, it’s clear that Vera-Tucker, the Jets’ 2021 first-round pick, will miss Week 1.
The Pittsburgh Steelers' defense sees a clear path to exploit the Jets
While no injury is worth celebrating, the Steelers’ defensive front’s job did just get a little easier without Vera-Tucker in the mix. Vera-Tucker has had a slow rise entering his fifth NFL season, but he’s been a solid contributor for the Jets when available. Last season, Pro Football Focus gave him a 76.3 run blocking grade, a 74.5 pass blocking grade, and a 77.7 overall grade, which ranked 15th among guards.
Vera-Tucker has struggled with injuries practically his entire NFL career. Last year, he played in 15 games after having played in just 12 combined over the previous two seasons. Xavier Newman, a fourth-year undrafted interior lineman out of Baylor, is listed as his backup as the swing guard on the Jets’ Week 1 depth chart.
The Jets already entered Week 1 with questions at center, too. Their Week 1 depth chart lists veterans Josh Myers and Joe Tippman as ‘or’ options.
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The Steelers’ reinforced defensive line heads into Sunday’s contest with a bit of an advantage, with two areas of concern highlighted on the Jets' offensive line. Assuming Cam Heyward plays, the Steelers will undoubtedly have the upper hand in the trenches.
Either way, if the Steelers' defense can capitalize on the injury and slow down the Jets’ run game, they’ll be able to force Fields to make plays with his arm, expecting him to make a mistake or two inevitably.