PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers placed starting left tackle Broderick Jones on injured reserve Friday, sidelining the 2023 first-round pick for at least the next four games after he suffered a neck injury against the Bears last week. He is eligible to return no earlier than Week 17.
Veteran Andrus Peat will start at left tackle in Jones’ absence, protecting 41-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ blind side (despite Rodgers playing with a fractured left wrist) when the Steelers face the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, head coach Mike Tomlin confirmed. The team also considered swing tackle Calvin Anderson for the role.
Peat, a 2015 first-round pick by the Saints, has mostly worked at guard since signing with Pittsburgh in training camp but started 12 games at left tackle for New Orleans in 2023.
“I’m always ready to play or start,” Peat said Friday. “I’ve been a starter most of my career, so I prepare with that mindset.”
The Steelers also elevated cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. from the practice squad for Sunday’s game, positioning the 2021 second-round pick to make his season debut. Samuel adds depth to a secondary dealing with injuries to starters Joey Porter Jr. (hip) and Darius Slay (concussion).
Samuel, who ranked No. 14 on ESPN’s offseason free-agent list, joined Pittsburgh’s practice squad on Nov. 11 following spinal fusion surgery.
“I feel great,” Samuel said after arriving. “It’s the healthiest I’ve ever been. I finally got it fixed, and now I’m good to go.”
