Site last updated: Monday, May 18, 2026

Log In

Reset Password
MENU
Butler County's great daily newspaper

Jones thrust into spotlight as Steelers starting QB

PITTSBURGH — Landry Jones is having a hard time digesting it all.

Jones spent two-plus seasons wearing sweatpants or holding a clipboard on game days as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ third-string quarterback. Now Jones will likely find himself as a starter for the first time in his three-year career Sunday at Kansas City after a stunning performance in relief of Michael Vick last week in a 25-13 win over the Arizona Cardinals.

“It’s been a wild ride since Sunday, that’s for sure,” Jones said Wednesday.

Jones made his NFL debut when he replaced Vick, who strained his right hamstring, in the third quarter with the Steelers trailing 10-6. He rallied to them to victory by completing 8 of 12 passes for 168 yards and two touchdowns, both to Martavis Bryant.

“It’s just different, because you actually feel like you contributed something,” Jones said. “I’ve been here for three years now and haven’t gotten to play. I feel like I have contributed, but not in a way I felt like I could. It’s fun to know you actually had a part in the game.”

Starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was a limited participant in practice for the second Wednesday in a row. He sprained the medical collateral ligament in his left knee Sept. 27 in a win over the Rams at St. Louis.

Vick started the three games that Roethlisberger has sat out but was forced out of last week’s game with a strained his left hamstring. He did not practice Wednesday.

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said the Steelers are preparing this week with the idea that Jones will be the starter because he is the only healthy quarterback on the roster. However, a starter has not been officially chosen.

“You never what’s going to happen on Sunday. Ben and Mike are real competitive guys, so I’m sure they are going to do everything they can to get ready to play,” Jones said. “I’ll be excited whether I play or not, but it’d be awesome to get a whole week of practice in.”

More in Professional

Subscribe to our Daily Newsletter

* indicates required
TODAY'S PHOTOS