Broderick Jones and Joey Porter Jr., the Pittsburgh Steelers’ top two draft picks in 2023, played a combined 11 snaps in their NFL debut on offense and defense, respectively. They just as easily could have sat on the bench for the entire game had circumstances gone differently.
How soon will that change? Well, Jones would have to start on Monday night against the Cleveland Browns if Chukwuma Okorafor doesn’t clear the concussion protocol. He was a full participant in Saturday’s practice, which is a very good sign, and had no game designation, but nothing is official yet. Porter’s playing time was predicated on the defense forcing long possession-down distances.