PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – As of this point, Steelers rookie Broderick Jones has not been told and says he doesn't know if he will start at left tackle on Sunday at the Rams. He said he prepares 'for the worst', but says his job is to be ready when his name is called.
"I'm a rookie coming in," Jones said Wednesday. "Dan's (Moore) been here a lot longer than me. He knows, he's been in the game a lot longer than me at this level. Just got to continue to work."
It's a tough situation for any player, let along a first-year pro, to try and answer questions to whether or not he will start when he doesn't know himself. Jones walked the line of not pushing for himself or saying he should be the guy, but having confidence in his game. Jones said his reaction if he doesn't start-he wouldn't have a reaction, just continue to get better.
"I like to be able to work with Dan," Jones said. "He teaches me different things. Just to be able to sit back and watch him and learn from him is a big plus."
He graded out well in that first start according to Pro Football Focus, but admits there are things to clean up.
He's not walking around the locker room thinking he's got it all figured out after one full game in the NFL. Jones does admit he's made strides since he first arrived on the South Side.
"I feel like I've grown a lot, in a lot of different areas," Jones said. "I feel like it's been a big plus for me to be with the Steelers and the coaching staff that we have. The players that I'm around-Dan, Chuks (Chukwuma Okorafor), Isaac. It helps me play at a different level because these guys have been in the league for so long."
He said playing next to eight-year veteran left guard Isaac Seumalo, you can't be a slouch. Jones saw those lines in Philadelphia and knows the success they had there and it brings a lot of credibility. He believes he's learned so much playing next to him and not just the stuff on the field. Jones is watching how he goes about his day and picking up everything he can.
"The crazy part about Isaac is that he will talk to you, but he won't overcomplicate things," Jones said of Seumalo.
"He'll let you know what is going on, but he won't say too much that you overthink."
The rookie from Georgia said they will be improved this week because of all the people expected to return from injury. Whether he will be out there with them is still a question.
