Steelers LB Jones Returns To Practice, Not A Big Deal Really

Aug 21, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Jarvis Jones (95) watches the game against the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Steelers, 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Steelers have announced that outside linebacker Jarvis Jones will return to practice on Monday.  Jones suffered a wrist injury against the Panthers in Week 3, and the subsequent surgery has kept him off any playing surface since.  Now that he is practicing, Jones has 21 days for the team to place him on the active roster for a Sunday.

I don’t expect Jones to return this Sunday or even in the second week of his three week timetable.  The team will undoubtedly take precautions in getting Jones back on the field.  As LB coach Keith Butler stated earlier last week to Scott Brown of ESPN, “A linebacker’s got to be able to use his hands. If he can’t use his hands, he can’t play. He’s defenseless, and we’re not going to put him on the field if he’s defenseless so we’ll see.”  Jones will need time to fully test out that repaired wrist, and the team will need to be certain he can use his hands to help get around offensive linemen and to the quarterback.

Nov 2, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) attempts to throw the ball as he is sacked by Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison (92) during the third quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 43-23. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The main reason there is no rush to see Jones back on the field as the starter at OLB is the resurgence of James Harrison.  Harrison was coaxed out of retirement by the Steelers after Jones became injured.  Since his return, Harrison has amassed 18 tackles and 4 sacks.  In addition, Harrison has somehow rolled the clock back, playing with an intensity and speed Steeler Nation has not witnessed from him since before his return from knee surgery.  He is in on numerous plays and pestering the quarterback even if he doesn’t end up with the sack.  His return has been incredibly helpful to this defense from falling down into the depths of complete despair.  He is a major reason the Steelers defeated the Ravens.  He is a large factor why they sit at 7-4 and no worse.

The Steelers will be counting on Harrison to continue to produce.  If he can, I doubt we will see Jones on the field during a game situation until at least Week 14 against the Bengals.  More than likely, we’ll see him in Week 15 against the Flacons.  But, don’t expect to see him starting any time soon.  For now, that role is reserved for ol’ Deebo until he loses it.  I guess there’s solace knowing that if Harrison needs to sit for a significant amount of time, Jones could line up as a decent backup while he gets back up to full speed.