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A TE of Steelers Suffers Devastating Achilles Injury at Training Camp – Dreams Put on Hold

Just days into Steelers training camp, heartbreak struck for rookie tight end D.J. Thomas-Jones. The undrafted free agent who had just started to turn heads is now feared to have suffered a torn Achilles, potentially ending his season before it truly began.

Steelers rookie DJ Thomas-Jones takes care of his mother off the field, but  is 'first team all-violence' on it | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

During Sunday’s practice, Thomas-Jones went down clutching his left ankle, unable to put any weight on his leg. Trainers rushed to his side and he was carted off the field, leaving teammates and coaches in shock. According to PennLive’s Nick Farabaugh, the early report is a torn Achilles — an injury dreaded by every athlete.

Nick Farabaugh on X: "Steelers rookie TE/FB DJ Thomas-Jones got injured in  that last team period. Trainers are looking at his left ankle  https://t.co/bbKqubdA6f" / X

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin called the injury “potentially significant,” and as of now, the team has yet to confirm the official diagnosis. If confirmed, Thomas-Jones would become the second Steelers tight end lost for the year with a torn Achilles, after Donald Parham Jr.

Alan Saunders on X: "Rookie TE/FB DJ Thomas-Jones getting some attention  for what looks to be a left ankle/calf injury. https://t.co/zc450a7veW" / X

For D.J. Thomas-Jones, the blow is especially cruel. He entered camp as the top non-quarterback UDFA signing in team history, making a strong impression on the field and in the locker room. Practicing at both fullback and tight end, he was fighting to carve out a roster spot. Now, he faces a long, grueling rehab – and must put his NFL dreams on hold.

This injury also tests Pittsburgh’s depth at the tight end position, as Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith, Darnell Washington, Connor Heyward, and J.J. Galbreath are the remaining healthy options.

Season-Ending Injury Feared for Steelers Tight End - Yahoo Sports

A standout from South Alabama, Thomas-Jones had defied the odds to reach an NFL camp, earning the highest signing bonus for a non-QB undrafted rookie in Steelers history. His versatility and work ethic made him a favorite to make the 53-man roster.

Football can be unforgiving. One moment you’re chasing a dream, the next you’re facing a mountain. Steelers Nation stands behind D.J. Thomas-Jones as he starts his journey back, hoping to see him return stronger than ever.
Wishing D.J. a speedy recovery – your story isn’t over yet!

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Steelers Star Patrick Queen Said About Media's Role in LSU Teammate's Death – Shocking Silence Exposed!
Pittsburgh, PA – Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen, a proud LSU Tigers alumnus, has joined the chorus of criticism against sports media outlets following the tragic case of his former LSU teammate Kyren Lacy. In a fiery social media post on October 6, 2025, Queen echoed the sentiments of Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers, calling out what he described as a "broken system" that rushes to tarnish reputations with unproven allegations but falls silent when innocence is proven. Queen's statement comes amid growing outrage over Lacy's wrongful accusation in a fatal car accident, which was later debunked by video evidence—too late to save the young athlete's life. Queen, who starred at LSU from 2016 to 2019 before being drafted by the Baltimore Ravens and later signing a lucrative deal with the Steelers, highlighted his shared Tigers heritage with Lacy. Though the two didn't overlap in their college years—Lacy played from 2021 to 2024—Queen emphasized the "LSU family" bond, saying the media's handling of the case hits close to home for all alumni. "Y'all bashed my LSU brother's name across every channel when he was 'allegedly' involved, destroying his future. But now the truth's out—video shows he was innocent—and crickets? Mfs go radio silent like it never happened. This system's rigged against us young athletes," Queen wrote on X, using language reminiscent of Nabers' raw outburst. The controversy stems from Lacy's 2024 accusation in a deadly traffic incident in Louisiana, where initial reports painted him as responsible, leading to intense scrutiny from networks like ESPN and NFL.com. Lacy, a promising wide receiver with NFL draft potential, tragically took his own life in April 2025 before a grand jury hearing. Just days ago, on October 3, 2025, the district attorney's office released surveillance footage and reports exonerating him, sparking backlash from the sports community. Nabers, Lacy's close friend and LSU teammate, was the first to publicly condemn the media, accusing them of sensationalism that ignores retractions. Queen's involvement adds weight to the narrative, as the 26-year-old Pro Bowler has his own history of overcoming adversity, from a small-town Louisiana upbringing to NFL stardom. Sources close to Queen say his post was motivated by a desire to protect future athletes, especially those from similar backgrounds. "Patrick sees this as bigger than one case—it's about how Black athletes get villainized without facts," an insider told reporters. The Steelers organization has not commented, but teammates like T.J. Watt have liked Queen's post, signaling support. Critics argue the media's rush to judgment reflects deeper biases in sports journalism, where "allegedly" headlines generate clicks but rarely lead to apologies. ESPN issued a brief statement acknowledging the new evidence but stopped short of retracting prior coverage, fueling further ire. As the NFL season progresses, Queen's voice could inspire more players to speak out, potentially pressuring leagues and networks for accountability. In a follow-up tweet, Queen urged fans: "Honor Kyren by demanding better. LSU forever—don't let them silence the truth." The post has garnered over 50,000 likes, with #JusticeForKyren trending. As the Steelers prepare for their next game, Queen's off-field advocacy underscores the human side of the sport, reminding everyone that behind the helmets are real lives at stake.