Jones suffered a neck injury in a Week 12 loss to the Bears, forcing him on injured reserve for the remainder of his third campaign and requiring postseason spinal fusion surgery. For a player who had yet to miss a game in his young NFL career — Jones had played in the first 45 games (38 starts) of his career — it sent the 25-year-old into unfamiliar territory.
“It’s my first serious injury, so it’s all new for me to figure out,” Jones said. “But I have a great support system around me with the Steelers, with my family. I just have to keep doing what I have to do to get better and recover and then eventually get back on the field.”
Jones started at right tackle for two seasons before starting 2025 as Aaron Rodgers’ blindside blocker. He saw his fair share of struggles before the injury, and his absence put the Steelers’ offensive line in even greater motion as they sputtered toward a rough draft this weekend in Pittsburgh.
Despite not really knowing when he will be cleared for football, Jones is lifting weights and getting his body ready for training camp. Steelers cornerback Asante Samuel had similar neck surgery and it took seven months for him to be cleared and return last season.
“Recovery is good,” Jones said. “I’m feeling good. You know, just getting back to it. Nice to be back in the lineup. That’s always a plus for me. And just try to get better.”
Jones enters an important 2026 season as he looks to resume a career that began with high hopes and a clear role in Pittsburgh. While he aims to return to form in a contract year, he won’t let the potential noise distract him from making Rodgers’ final NFL season a successful one.