The Troy Fautanu era in Pittsburgh may begin as early as the Week 2 game against the Denver Broncos, with the Steelers reportedly set to start the rookie at right tackle. But could his start come at the expense of Broderick Jones?
According to Alan Saunders of Steelers Now, Pittsburgh is planning to start Fautanu at right tackle, which would be his first career start in the NFL.
"The Pittsburgh Steelers expect rookie first-round pick Troy Fautanu to start at right tackle for the team’s Week 2 game against the Denver Broncos, team sources told Steelers Now," Saunders wrote.
Of course, that begs the question: Who will start at left tackle and who will be the odd man out between Jones and Dan Moore if Fautanu starts on the right side?
Moore began the week sitting out at practice with an ankle injury, but he logged a full session on Thursday and looks on track to play.
It was thought Fautanu's first-team reps on Wednesday were a result of Moore not practicing, but that was clearly not exactly the case after Fautanu saw more run with the ones on Thursday.
Troy Fautanu confirmed he played first team RT today upon the return of Dan Moore to LT.
— James C Wexell (@jimwexell) September 12, 2024
Will you start there Sunday?
“I think so. I hope so.”
Later in his article, Saunders says "what will happen at the other tackle position remains up in the air," but added that "it appears to be trending toward Moore starting and 2023 first-round pick Broderick Jones heading to the bench."
Moore has historically been a sieve for the Steelers, but he did look good during the preseason and got his 2024 campaign off on the right foot after not giving up a single pressure and posting an elite 88.7 Pro Football Focus pass protection grade.
Meanwhile, Jones struggled, giving up two pressures and two sacks in the win over the Atlanta Falcons. His performance was a continuation of the issues he had in the preseason.
It's certainly worth noting that Jones was battling an elbow injury in exhibition plays. However, it isn't clear if that's still an issue. Jones hasn't been listed on the injury report in either of the first two weeks of the season.
It's unfathomable to think that the Steelers would bench their 2023 first-round pick in favor of Moore, unless Jones is not fully healthy and they want to give him time to get to 100%.
That's something Saunders suggests in his report, and it would make sense for the Steelers to take that approach if Jones is still bothered. But, again, Jones hasn't been listed on a regular season injury report yet.
If the Steelers are simply benching Jones and it proves to have nothing to do with an injury, it would be a terrible look, and such a move could be a massive shot to the confidence of Jones. Further, Jones riding the bench is not going to help him get better.
