Steelers Sights and Sounds: Jones, Washington Prepare for First Starts

PITTSBURGH — Two Steelers rookie are set for their first career starts on Sunday against the Ravens. Tight end Darnell Washington and left tackle Broderick Jones will start against the Ravens with injuries to Pat Freiermuth and Dan Moore Jr. Both of those players are expected to be out this week, with Freiermuth doubtful and Moore listed as out by Mike Tomlin on Tuesday.

Head coach Mike Tomlin liked what he saw from Jones in his first extended action against the Houston Texans. Jones will start at left tackle with Chuks Okorafor at right tackle, while Spencer Anderson and Dylan Cook are the backups at tackle in case of another injury.

“I think he’s been practicing really well,” Tomlin said. “I feel really good about what he’s done to tee up his performance from a practice perspective, the urgency he has, the quality of that play. He’s gotten his feet wet now. I thought the quality of his play improved over the course of the game. Oftentimes, when you get inserted into a game like that, you have to get on a moving train. You feel some of that, that was evident, he gave up pressure on his snap. But I thought he got better throughout and I think it’s reasonable to expect him to be reasonably solid with a week’s prep.”

In his first extended in-game action, Jones was tagged with three pressures and one quarterback hit. However, he was not charged with any sacks allowed, including the fourth-down play that injured Kenny Pickett. Pickett got charged with all three Texans sacks on him.

Washington is set to play more than usual with Connor Heyward and Rodney Williams backing him up to help him. This could be the week the team starts to get Washington more involved in the passing game.