Steelers camp report: Left tackle Broderick Jones makes early exit with 'lower-body injury'

Broderick Jones’ practice day was cut short Sunday because of a lower-body injury.

The Pittsburgh Steelers left tackle was unable to finish the team’s fourth training camp practice at Saint Vincent.

Jones did individual work on the turf practice field, and he was having his torso wrapped when the Steelers moved to the upper grass fields for the start of team portions. Jones took his customary spot for a few plays, but then did not return.

Coach Mike Tomlin characterized Jones’ injury as day-to-day.

While Jones was out, Dylan Cook took over at left tackle instead of Calvin Anderson, who was re-signed in free agency to serve as the swing tackle.

Cook made the 53-man roster in 2023 but did not appear in a game. He spent the first half of last season on injured reserve and the second half on the practice squad. He has yet to appear in an NFL game.

“We’re just acclimating,” Tomlin said when asked whether Cook has overtaken Anderson as the swing tackle. “He’s a veteran guy who has been around and has served in that capacity before, but I’m not assuming anything at this juncture regarding specific roles and specialization.”

Also leaving practice early were wide receiver Montana Lemonius-Craig and fullback/tight end D.J. Thomas-Jones. Both had lower-body injuries.

Thomas-Jones was removed from the field on a cart after having his left foot examined.

“It looks like it is more significant,” Tomlin said.

Defensive tackle Cameron Heyward, outside linebacker T.J. Watt and cornerback Darius Slay returned to practice after being given the day off Saturday.

The Steelers had their morning walkthrough cut short when a heavy rainstorm hit the campus, sending players scattering for cover. When the rain subsided, it didn’t return until the end of the final team practice period.

It was the final practice before the Steelers don pads Tuesday for the first time in camp.

“It was a really good acclimation period for us,” Tomlin said. “It was a chance to talk cultural things that we value and to set the stage for how we work as we get into pads and get hyper-focused on ball.”