The Steelers’ current offensive line, featuring Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu as tackles, participated in the team’s first OTA sessions this week. The team had planned for this lineup since drafting Jones and Fautanu in 2023 and 2024, respectively. However, Fautanu’s knee injury during a preseason game against the Houston Texans delayed his debut until Week 2 of the regular season. His subsequent dislocated kneecap ended his rookie season prematurely.
The injuries to Fautanu disrupted the original plan to have him at right tackle and Jones competing with Dan Moore Jr. for left tackle. With Moore now with the Titans, the Steelers rely on Jones and Fautanu moving forward.
Fautanu expressed the emphasis placed by coach Mike Tomlin on their performance: “A lot of these coaches, especially coach (Mike) Tomlin, puts an emphasis on it every single day in the team meetings with some of the slides,” he said earlier this week. “It all starts up front…we’ve got to take pride in our job.”
Both young tackles are focused on their roles. Fautanu has been rehabbing diligently while Jones adjusted his weight to improve agility: “I wanted to come back a little leaner because it gives me a chance to gain weight going into training camp,” said Jones.
High expectations surround them as they aim to bolster the Steelers’ running game. “Although we are a young o-line, they put a lot of…expectation from that group of our group,” Fautanu noted.
Cam Heyward returns for his 15th season with the Steelers, having left an impression on Raiders’ Jackson Powers-Johnson last year: “I got to say, playing against Cam Heyward and giving up my first sack ever in my entire life…he didn’t beat me,” Powers-Johnson reflected.
Like Fautanu, wide receiver Roman Wilson is returning from injury after appearing briefly last season due to leg issues. He is motivated by teammate Calvin Austin III’s comeback story: “Roman did such a good job of blocking that noise out…I just can’t wait for the outside world to see what Roman can do,” Austin remarked.
In terms of draft value, Wilson and Fautanu represent significant additions akin to two new draft picks for Pittsburgh this year.
Additionally, tight ends may see increased involvement under offensive coordinator Arthur Smith following an uptick in targets last season. Pat Freiermuth led with 65 catches: “If it’s more of a role for me, then great…I’m excited about the guys we have right now,” he commented.
The Steelers practiced outdoors in rain during OTAs at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex this week despite having indoor facilities available—a decision made by head coach Mike Tomlin to acclimate players to adverse weather conditions safely.
