How serious is Broderick Jones’s stinger injury?
The Steelers lost LT Broderick Jones in the second half of yesterday’s game due to an injury, initially classified only as a stinger. The thing is, a “stinger” is pretty vague, especially relative to severity. A player doesn’t have to miss any time due to a stinger, and may even return in the same game. Or a player could miss months.
There haven’t been any updates on Broderick Jones’ injury since the game ended, so we’re in the dark. One hopes that no news is good news, but especially with an away game, evaluation can take some time. We should know more in a day or two, but for now, the range of possibilities is significant.
Considering the state of the Steelers offense, and particularly its offensive line, they can’t afford him to miss much time. While he has had his growing pains, you haven’t heard his name mentioned as much in recent weeks. And even if Broderick Jones isn’t a Pro Bowler, stinger or no, the alternative is Calvin Anderson.
At least, it’s presumably Calvin Anderson, who dresses as the swing tackle. They also have Andrus Peat, who has been inactive most weeks, but they may view him more as a guard at this point in his career. Spencer Anderson is another option, even if he’s mostly played guard here. All this to drive the point home: the Steelers can’t afford for this injury to keep Broderick Jones out long.
Especially not with the upcoming schedule. They’ve already lost the top spot in the AFC North, and if the playoffs were to begin today, they would be on the outside looking in. After starting the season 4-1, they are now 6-5 and reeling. Up next are the Bills, followed by the Ravens, and two weeks later, the Lions.
If Broderick Jones has to miss time due to this stinger injury, the Steelers’ already-existent struggles will only amplify. They’re struggling to give the quarterbacks time to throw, forcing them to rely on quick passes and YAC. Even against a team with no linebackers like the Bears yesterday, they still can’t dominate the run game. Now take a starting offensive lineman away and tell me how it gets better.
After another disappointing season and months of retooling, the Steelers are set to try it all again in 2025. Though they limped into the playoffs, they once again embarrassed themselves therein.
Just like last year, the biggest question hanging over the Steelers isthe quarterback question. They settled in on Aaron Rodgers, but we still have a lot to learn about him. The2025 NFL Draft class could play a big role, but veteran additions like Jalen Ramsey will be paramount.
Now we are in the regular season. From Rodgers to George Pickens to Minkah Fitzpatrick and Ramsey, we’ve seen the Steelers make some big changes. Now it’s about evaluating the roster in place and figuring out how it all works out.
Recommended for you