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Steelers Unleash 320-Pound Rookie Beast to Reinforce Offensive Line — Reshape 53-Man Roster

Steelers Cut Ties with Versatile Offensive Lineman - Yahoo Sports

Pittsburgh, PA — The Steelers have added raw power to their trenches. Rookie guard/tackle Steven Jones, a 320-pound (145 kg) undrafted free agent out of Oregon, has been unleashed to bolster Pittsburgh’s offensive line as part of a dramatic 53-man roster reshaping.

Jones arrived in Pittsburgh after a stint on Jacksonville’s practice squad, signing a reserve/future deal last winter. At 6’5”, he brings the kind of size and strength that can shift a pocket and open lanes in the run game. Coaches have praised his durability and versatility, noting how he impressed during training camp with both brute power and surprising agility.

With young anchors like Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier, and Mason McCormick, Pittsburgh is crafting an offensive line built to protect its quarterback and reignite a rushing attack led by Jaylen Warren and Kaleb Johnson. Last season, the Steelers allowed 49 sacks — a number this coaching staff is determined to slash.

Head coach Mike Tomlin addressed the addition directly:

“Steven is a big man with a big opportunity. He’s raw, but he’s got the toughness and the work ethic we value. Our offensive line is young, hungry, and building an identity. Steven fits right into that vision — he gives us another piece of the wall we want in front of our quarterback.”

For GM Omar Khan, the signing signals a long-term plan: invest in youth, build from the trenches, and give the offense the foundation it needs to compete in the AFC North.

Steelers Nation, always craving a physical brand of football, may have just found a new underdog to rally behind. The “320-pound beast” is no finished product — but in Pittsburgh, that’s the story fans love most: toughness, grit, and the promise of something greater on Sundays.

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49ers Fan-Favourite OL Faces Family Tragedy Ahead of Week 6 Game as Military-Trained Skydiving Instructor Dies in Nashville
San Francisco 49ers rookie offensive lineman Dominick Puni is mourning a devastating personal loss following the team’s Week 5 matchup, as his cousin Justin Fuller, a respected military-trained skydiving instructor, died in a tragic tandem jump accident near Nashville.Fuller, 35, was fatally injured after becoming separated from his parachute harness mid-air during a jump organized by Go Skydive Nashville. His student survived after landing in a tree with the parachute deployed and was later rescued by firefighters.Police confirmed Fuller’s body was recovered in a wooded area off Ashland City Highway. The Nashville Fire Department called it “one of the most complex high-angle rescues in recent years,” commending its personnel for the effort. Justin Fuller, known by the nickname "Spidey," died after a tandem skydiving jump went wrong on Oct. 4, 2025, near Nashville, Tennessee. (Facebook/Justin Fuller Spidey) Fuller, known affectionately as “Spidey,” had completed more than 5,000 jumps and trained U.S. military personnel in advanced aerial maneuvers. Friends described him as “fearless, focused, and committed to lifting others higher — both in life and in the air.” Puni, whose mother is the younger sister of Fuller's , grew up admiring his cousin’s discipline and sense of purpose. Family members say that influence helped shape his mental toughness and leadership on the field. A relative told local media, “Justin taught Dominick that strength isn’t about being unbreakable — it’s about standing firm when life hits hardest. That’s exactly how Dominick lives and plays today.” Puni, a rookie out of Kansas, has steadily earned the 49ers’ trust along the offensive line, praised for his physicality in the run game and poise in protection. Coaches describe him as “wise beyond his years.” The 49ers have privately offered support and time for Puni and his family, ensuring he can process the loss away from team obligations. Teammates have rallied behind him, honoring his family’s resilience and service background. The FAA is investigating the incident, while tributes to Fuller — under his nickname “Spidey” — continue to flood social media from military peers, skydivers, and fans nationwide. “He taught others to fly — now he’s flying higher than all of us,” one tribute read.