Training camp is every NFL team's opportunity to get familiar with their roster and get everyone up to speed for the long, grueling 17-game season. It's also a chance for players to change the narrative surrounding their careers, acting as a fresh start every year. The Pittsburgh Steelers have several players who fit that mold.
None fit it better than former first-round pick Broderick Jones. The young offensive tackle has struggled in his two seasons as a starter, but he is being given a chance to finally play his natural position of left tackle this year. The hope was that he could finally show development and consistency, something he has lacked while playing on the right side.
Unfortunately, it appears he may have suffered a blow to his chances of proving himself. According to Mike DeFabo of The Athletic, Jones was getting work done on his lower body and ultimately was removed from Sunday's practice. It's a disappointing development for the struggling tackle.
Pittsburgh Steelers need Broderick Jones to figure things out in his third season
Jones has flashed dominant tape at times in his first two seasons, but his low moments far outweigh those flashes. Penalties, missed assignments, and inconsistent technique have led to persistent issues in both the run and pass game.
Unlike most other positions, offensive line play requires consistency above all else. Unlike a deep threat receiver or pass rush specialist, there is no such thing as a true role player along the offensive front. In other words, it's better to be good almost all of the time opposed to being great occasionally but terrible just as often.
One truly terrible play is all it takes to swing a game, especially when protecting the quarterback. Just think about how many times T.J. Watt has ended games by forcing a sack fumble by demolishing an opposing tackle. Too often, Jones has allowed near-instant pressure that kills a play before it even starts.
With the addition of 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers this offseason, keeping the QB clean will be more important than ever for Pittsburgh. The former MVP isn't the same mobile playmaker he was several years ago.
Jones will be the Steelers' starter, assuming this injury is a minor one, but how long they allow him to stay on the field is dependent on his improvement from his first two seasons. Here's hoping he gets back on the field sooner rather than later.