Kevin Dotson Questionable, Jesse Davis Next Man up at Left Guard

PITTSBURGH — The Steelers have a situation at left guard. Kevin Dotson was added to the injury report on Friday with an abdomen injury, and it appears his game status against the New Orleans Saints is in doubt. So, who could step up in his place? While Kendrick Green could be the next in line on the depth chart, it is Jesse Davis could step in his place.

Davis, who was acquired by Omar Khan prior to the season, has played in Miami and Minnesota. He can play at both tackle and guard, but it was the veteran who confirmed he stepped in at left guard during the practice. While he lacks true practice in a game with Mason Cole and Dan Moore, he feels comfortable that he would be comfortable playing.

“I think I feel pretty good with everyone,” Davis said. “Obviously I haven’t played a game with these guys at all. But comfortability feels really good.”

Davis has been with the Steelers for over two months now. In that time, he has been tasked with adapting to multiple positions and the philosophies that offensive line coach Pat Meyer tasked him with learning. Overall, he feels right at home in the offense and feels he can play at full speed.

“Hey, I feel pretty good,” Davis said. “Me and the guys are gelling really well. It is just understanding the scheme that week and the playbook that week. So far, it’s going pretty well.”

Davis feels tight with the room after many dinners with the rest of the offensive line. While nothing can replicate in-game reps, Davis’ experience at multiple positions is what he thinks can aid him. In a process that is not ‘too hard’ it is the versatility that attracted the Steelers to Jesse Davis.

“It’s not too hard,” Davis said. “I think the longer you’ve been in the league, the more you understand offenses you’ve been a part of overall. They’re all kinda similar in their own ways. It’s more about understanding the technique that coaches lay down.”

So, it could be Davis’ first start with Pittsburgh. In his time in the league, Davis has started 72 games,  so he will be quality depth that the Steelers could use if needed.