The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a clear focus on improving their offensive line over the last few years. They used each of their top two selections in the 2024 NFL Draft on Troy Fautanu and Zach Frazier, who could each be impactful starters as early as Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons. Frazier has already likely locked up the starting center job after an unfortunate injury to Nate Herbig, while Fautanu is trying to recover from a knee injury suffered during the first preseason game of 2024 against the Houston Texans.
It is unclear at what point during the game against the Bills that Fautanu injured his knee, but he didn't come out of the game when it occurred. He was first seen with a knee brace in the locker room after the game concluded, which was a surprise to some, including Head Coach Mike Tomlin. If Fautanu is healthy, he has a serious chance of starting at right tackle - which would likely mean Broderick Jones would replace Dan Moore Jr. at left tackle. Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo went on 93.7 The Fan on Friday and shared that Fautanu may not be ready by Week 1.
"It all depends on Fautanu's health. He told us this week he plans to be ready for that season opener, but you know next week, they are going to practice Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Then, I think they get a four-day weekend before they go back on Labor Day. If he doesn't practice on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday next week and he can't show that he's healthy enough to play - I don't think they are going to just put him in there with one week to prepare. If he doesn't practice next week, I think it's Jones on the right."
Rarely do the Steelers give a rookie a starting job during the first week of the regular season, but this season's rookie class seems to be ready. Frazier has impressed, and Fautanu was deemed ready to start even while struggling through an injury. Fautanu would likely be an upgrade at the tackle position, but if he isn't healthy enough, it is likely Jones that will start at right tackle for the season opener.
The Steelers want to make sure their rookies are fully prepared before thrusting them into an important role during the regular season, which explains why they wouldn't want Fautanu starting with just a week of practice before the game. An important factor to consider is that Jones is also dealing with some nagging injuries, which have been where the blame has been placed for his concerning performance against the Buffalo Bills.
Fautanu didn't look great during his first preseason start against Houston. He is getting used to a new position on the right side of the offensive line, but he definitely didn't do enough to claim the starting job. Pittsburgh may be hesitant to thrust him into a starting role, especially if he doesn't bounce back from his injury with enough time to practice before the season opener.
Steelers Should Be Concerned With The Regression Of Broderick Jones
Fans were hoping to see a significant second-year leap from Jones, but he has shown nothing but regression so far in the preseason. A lot of this falls on the coaching staff, as they have had him switching between left tackle and right tackle throughout training camp. It's difficult to develop as a player in a situation like that.
His injury is also hindering him, as he needs to wear an arm brace on his right arm. It has been reported that his injury won't be getting better any time soon, and it's something he will have to play through in 2024. A lot of questions have been asked about the receiver position, but the Steelers' biggest worry going into the regular season should be the offensive line.
