The Steelers drafted outside linebacker Jarvis Jones in the first round of April’s draft, but he didn’t get the nod for a starting job in the season opener against the Titans.
Coach Mike Tomlin announced at his Tuesday press conference that Jason Worilds will be making the start against Tennessee. Worilds has made 10 previous starts for the Steelers, who drafted him in the second round of the 2010 draft, and he has 10 sacks over that period.
Worilds mostly worked in behind LaMarr Woodley and the now-departed James Harrison for his first three years, which will likely be Jones’ role to start the season. Tomlin said that Jones would play on Sunday without specifying a role, although it’s likely to be one that takes advantage of the pass rushing skills that made him a first-round pick in the first place.
If Worilds plays well enough to hold off Jones for the entire season, he’ll enter free agency on a high note. If Jones plays well enough to justify the pick used to acquire him, even in a limited role, Worilds will likely be cashing in somewhere else.
