Steelers may bench another promising rookie

The 2023 rookie draft class for the Pittsburgh Steelers continues to look promising, but following one of their rookie's impressive first NFL start, the team seems to be sending him back to the bench.

Left tackle Dan Moore Jr., who missed Pittsburgh's Week 6 matchup against the Ravens with a knee sprain, expects to play on Sunday vs. the Rams after getting first-team reps in practice Monday.

If true, that means Broderick Jones, the first-round pick who allowed zero sacks and just one pressure in his first start, will head back to the bench.

It's yet another confusing move by Pittsburgh considering Moore Jr. still ranks in the top 10 of pressures allowed this season despite missing a full game, per PFF.

The Steelers traded up to get Jones in the draft because Moore Jr. allowed seven sacks a season ago, so it was a surprise that the team has stuck with him as its starting left tackle.

Jones, who stands at a massive 6-foot-5, 311 pounds, clearly has much higher upside at the position, and many believe he should be the full-time starter after his strong performance in Week 6.

Head coach Mike Tomlin has received a lot of criticism for sticking with offensive coordinator Matt Canada, and it seems like his head-scratching decisions aren't limited to his coaching staff.

If Tomlin benches Jones and Moore Jr. continues to struggle, it will be one less reason to defend him.

Only time will tell as nothing is official yet. Tomlin typically uses practice as his guide for the week, and Moore Jr. seems to have the upper hand over Jones.