This week, it could be going the other way around, as a practice injury for Fautanu could have opened the door to Jones starting once again this week.

Fautanu, the team’s first-round pick this spring out of Washington, was dressed in the season opener against the Atlanta Falcons, but did not play while having just gotten cleared to recover from a preseason knee sprain.

With him back in the fold in Week 2, head coach Mike Tomlin made the switch, staring Fautanu and sending Jones, the club’s 2023 first-round pick, to the bench.

Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Broderick Jones warms up before a game against the Denver Broncos on Sept. 15, 2024. — Alan Saunders / Steelers Now

Jones subbed in for one series in a ham-fisted rotation that went south incredibly quickly. Jones was flagged three times in a six-play span before being benched against the Broncos. 
It looked like he was headed back to the bench for good, but then Fautanu left Friday’s practice session with an injury, and Jones was right back with the starters.

“Troy had a little tweak today,” Jones said. “We really don’t know what his status is gonna be. But I filled in for him and we’re just gonna roll from there. After he gets his MRI and stuff, we’ll just figure out what’s going on from there. The coaches are going to make the decision and go from there. We’ve got two days. He’s got a day break to rest whatever it is. I really don’t even know what happened to him. I ain’t seen it. We’ll figure it out and go from there.”

Obviously, the inclusion of an MRI doesn’t sound good. Fautanu had just recovered from an MCL sprain on his left knee, and had still been wearing a brace at practice, even though he was cleared to play.

The Steelers are dealing with a bunch of injuries across their offensive line. Center/guard Nate Herbig is out for the season with a rotator cuff injury, tackle Dylan Cook is on the injured reserve list with a foot injury and starting left guard Isaac Seumalo is out with a pectoral injury.

“We’ll figure it out,” Jones said. “I’ve been there before. It ain’t nothing new. It ain’t nothing mystical. Just gotta get out there and do it whenever my name is called. …

Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Troy Fautanu before his first start against the Denver Broncos on Sept. 15, 2024. — Alan Saunders / Steelers Now

“I feel like I got better this week during practice, for the most part. Just gotta continue to stay upright. You know it’s a long season. Always trying to take care of the body as much as possible and just being available.”

Jones was nearly the scapegoat for the Steelers on Sunday, and there was certainly a significant amount of criticism levied his way, but he said he’s not worried about rehabilitating his own image if he gets a chance to start on Sunday, only helping his team win.

“I really don’t care what people think. At the end of the day, I’ve gotta go out there and do my job to the best of my ability.”