First Call: Broderick Jones advances talk of using Justin Fields in 'Taysom Hill' role, takes height jabs at Russell Wilson

Pittsburgh Steelers tackle Broderick Jones is keeping a couple of narratives going about both of his new quarterbacks. The Brandon Aiyuk trade rumors still have a pulse. We have an update on Gerrit Cole’s health and details on how WPIAL great T.J. McConnell fared in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals in Boston.

All that in Wednesday’s “First Call.”

Taysom part 2?

Broderick Jones stopped short of adding to the conversation about the Steelers potentially using quarterback Justin Fields as a kick returner.

But in terms of using Fields in a Kordell Stewart “slash” role (QB/WR/RB/TE)? Well, the second-year offensive tackle threw another log on that fire after Tuesday’s practice.

“Like Drew Brees said the other day, using one of the quarterbacks as a Taysom Hill if it presents itself,” Jones said. “You never know. We’ve got a whole new scheme, a whole new offense. No telling what they might throw at us.”

Fields has 2,200 rushing yards in three seasons from the quarterback position but no catches in his career.

Worthy of note, here, is that Jones was never asked about the Fields-Stewart-Hill comps. It’s something he offered up on his own while answering a simple question about the differences in having Fields and Russell Wilson running things as opposed to last year’s trio of quarterbacks.

So, obviously, Jones is speaking that topic into existence from somewhere.

Taking a ‘little’ shot

I also asked Jones if there were any subtle differences in blocking for a quarterback as short as Russell Wilson. At 5-foot-11, Wilson may have problems seeing over the line of scrimmage.

That’s part of the reason why I don’t have a problem with the Steelers drafting Troy Fautanu or Zach Frazier along the offensive line. Both are 6-foot-3. That might be a bit short by NFL offensive line standards.

At 6-5, 311 pounds, Jones is not small. And it didn’t take the youngster long to throw a barb at his veteran QB about his height.

“That’s what I said when he first got here,” Jones joked. “I’m like, (dang) you are short. What do you take? Like a 15-step drop? And he said, ‘No, I can see.’”

Despite his lack of height, Wilson has thrown for 43,653 yards and 334 touchdowns in the NFL.

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Keeping the dream alive?

Maybe this is enough for Steelers fans to keep some optimism going when it comes to trading for a star wide receiver.

Specifically, San Francisco’s Brandon Aiyuk.

The Steelers were long believed to have had an interest in acquiring Aiyuk when pre-draft trade rumors swirled about the second-team All-Pro. But that didn’t happen.

However, NFL Network insider Mike Garafolo said Tuesday that Aiyuk and the 49ers are no closer to signing a contract extension than they were months ago when the trade conversations first kicked up.

"The Insiders" is back on @nflnetwork, with the latest on Tua, Daniel Jones, Trevor Lawrence, Brandon Aiyuk, Tee Higgins, Rashee Rice, CeeDee Lamb, Dak Prescott, more.

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“Every sense I’ve gotten from speaking to folks familiar with the progress of talks is that they are not close at this point,” Garafolo reported. “Don’t expect to see Aiyuk around for anything (workout related) that’s voluntary, and let’s see about the mandatory stuff as well. … He doesn’t want to have to play on the last year of his contract. If the 49ers realize at some point that they can’t get this thing done, does he push their hand and say, ‘Look, either it’s a contract or get me out of here’? We’re not there. There hasn’t been a trade request. I know there were rumblings and reports about it. We’re just not there at this point. It’s just a matter of figuring out what his value is.”

Dallas receiver Cee Dee Lamb is also expected to stay away from organized team activities as he looks for a new contract.

Getting going

Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole is eyeing a comeback. The ex-Pirate hasn’t pitched all year due to right elbow inflammation.

But last year’s American League Cy Young winner threw 22 pitches and reached 96 miles per hour on the radar gun throwing to live batters Tuesday.

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Cole told MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch that he’s not ruling out a return sometime in June. After starting the year on the 60-day injured list, the right-hander isn’t eligible for a return until May 27 at the earliest.

It ain’t easy playin’ green

Chartiers Valley product T.J. McConnell and his Indiana Pacers dropped Game 1 of the NBA’s Eastern Conference Finals in Boston. The Celtics won the opener of the series 133-128 in overtime.

For his part, McConnell played 25 minutes off the bench. He was 6 of 11 from the floor, scoring 13 points and pitching in with four assists, three rebounds and a steal. He also committed just one turnover.

However, McConnell was a minus-9 for the night, and he fouled All-Star Jayson Tatum on a crucial possession late in the game.

Jayson Tatum count it and the foul!@Pacers 123@celtics 124

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Tatum ended the evening with 36 points and 12 rebounds. The Pacers look to bounce back Thursday in Game 2.