How Much Will Broderick Jones Participate In OTAs?

How much will Broderick Jones participate in Organized Team Activities?

He’s still recovering from his neck surgery, which ultimately turned out to be a spinal fusion, according to reports. But he’s been involved in some on-field work in recent weeks, raising the question of how much Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Broderick Jones will participate in Organized Team Activities starting next week.

Jones recently had his fifth-year option declined by the franchise, and, according to previous reports from ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Jones suffered a setback in his recovery, raising questions about his availability for the rest of the offseason and into training camp.

However, thanks to a photo taken by Steelers team photographer Karl Roser, it looks like Jones is doing some on-field work this offseason. Now, it’s not in a helmet or a true football drill, but it does appear to be some progress with Jones.

Based on Schefter’s previous reporting, it sounded like Jones would miss significant time due to his setback, which ultimately led the Steelers to draft Arizona State’s Max Iheanachor in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. But based on the photo snapped by Roser, it appears that report might have been off as Jones is on the field in uniform doing some work.

If he can hit the field for OTAs on Monday, that will be a great sign for his availability for potentially mandatory minicamp and training camp.

Prior to his injury, Jones was playing some good football for the Steelers. After an ugly start to the regular season, allowing three sacks in the season opener against the New York Jets, Jones allowed just two sacks and 16 pressures in Weeks 3-12 before the injury, according to Pro Football Focus.

He’s in a contract year now, though, and is dealing with the recovery process, all while potentially battling for his starting job with the likes of Dylan Cook, Iheanachor, and potentially Troy Fautanu. If he can be on the field next week, he’ll need to show he’s on the right track physically to eventually be cleared for contact.

With a pair of new offensive line coaches in James Campen and Jahri Evans, every rep for Jones this offseason is valuable, even in an OTA setting.

Jones has a long road to recovery ahead of him. The spinal fusion surgery is no joke, and playing a physically demanding position like offensive line puts him at risk for a legitimate setback. So, the Steelers have to find a balance between pushing him to make sure he’s ready for training camp and taking it easy on him so he doesn’t have a real setback at this point in the season. 

Jones is fighting for his starting job in Pittsburgh and his long-term future in the NFL after the team declined his fifth-year option. Getting off to a strong start in OTAs and participating in as many drills as possible will allow him to get back onto the field and hold onto his starting spot, at least entering training camp.