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Jarvis Jones eligible to return to practice on Nov. 3. Could then be taken off IR-desig to return list and play vs Ten on Nov. 17
— Bob Labriola (@BobLabriola) October 24, 2014
Steelers outside linebacker Jarvis Jones underwent wrist surgery after the team's Week 3 win over the Carolina Panthers, and is set to return to practice Nov. 3 after he was placed on IR-Designation to Return.
Two weeks after his first practice, he's eligible to play in his first game, which would put him back on the field for the Steelers' Monday Night game vs. the Tennessee Titans in Week 11.
That's just the best case scenario and there isn't any guarantee he'd return right away. The first two players the Steelers placed on IR-Designation to Return, Sean Spence and David DeCastro, didn't come back immediately upon eligibility. DeCastro didn't play until Week 15 of the 2012 season and Spence never returned.
Jones injured his wrist after ramming it into the shoulder area of defensive end Brett Keisel against the Panthers. It led to the Steelers' first takeaway of the year, and it was Jones' second sack in three games. He only had one during his rookie season of 2013.
The Steelers are getting average production from their right outside linebackers Arthur Moats and James Harrison, but nothing substantial. The team is producing reasonable pressure but they're among the lowest sack total in the league. Unless that changes, it’s possible Harrison, signed after Jones’ injury, might not see the remainder of the season with the team. Jones coming back to the active roster obviously will bring with it the release or injury designation for another player.
Another possible player that might find himself without a job upon Jones' return is special teams player Ross Ventrone. Ventrone has been filling in for Shamarko Thomas during his injury and is required to stay on the team for three weeks after being called up from the team's practice squad. After this week's game Ventrone could be moved from the current roster if the team prefers.
The Steelers will cross that bridge when they get to it, but this has to be in the minds of every player as the team prepares to take on the AFC South-leading Indianapolis Colts on Sunday in Pittsburgh.