The Sports Xchange

PITTSBURGH — The Steelers are preparing third-string quarterback Landry Jones to start against the Kansas City Chiefs as starter Ben Roethlisberger and backup Mike Vick are dealing with injuries.

“We’re going to focus on getting Landry ready. Some of the other things are speculative. We can’t lose a whole lot of preparation time with speculation,” head coach Mike Tomlin said.

Roethlisberger, who has missed the past three games with a sprained knee and a bone bruise, was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday, but his availability remains in question. Vick, who injured his hamstring in the third quarter of the Arizona game, did not practice and appears to be a longshot to take the field Sunday.

Jones had never played in an NFL game before Sunday, but he acquitted himself quite well, going 8 for 12 for 168 yards and two touchdowns in less than two quarters work against the Cardinals.

Jones hasn’t practiced much with the first-team offense during his two-plus year tenure with the Steelers, but he’s getting that opportunity this week.

If Jones is under center on Sunday he’ll be facing a Kansas City defense that can rush the quarterback. The Chiefs have 13 sacks in the first six games and are led by defensive end Allen Bailey (4.5 sacks) and linebacker Justin Houston (4.0).

The offense will take the field without tackle Kelvin Beachum, who was placed on injured reserve, and Tomlin said the Steelers want to see this week what tackle Byron Stingily can do in case he, too, is pressed into action.

“We’re just getting ready to see what he’s capable of – don’t know much yet,” said Tomlin.

Stingily did start five games and play in 10 with the Titans in 2014. The Steelers are planning for Alejandro Villanueva to start his first NFL game at left tackle.

When Jones entered the game against Arizona, offensive coordinator Todd Haley did not limit his play-calling as he had done with Vick, who is new to the offense after getting signed in August. Jones has been with the Steelers since 2013 and has a better understanding of the offense.

Jones was the quarterback for four drives in the second half (not including an end-game kneel-down) and he led the Steelers to four scores – two touchdowns and two field goals. His 149.3 quarterback rating was the second-best ever for a quarterback in his first NFL game.

The Cardinals had game planned for Vick and did not have a bead on Jones’ abilities. The Chiefs have an entire week to study Jones and put together a game plan to stop him.

Jones will have to be aware of Kansas City rookie cornerback Marcus Peters. He has three interceptions, including one that was returned 55 yards for a touchdown against the Broncos.

Roethlisberger said he still has pain in his knee, but his biggest issue is being able to protect himself in the pocket.

With Vick idle Wednesday, the Steelers must contemplate the status of the depth chart. If Vick is out, Roethlisberger would be active on Sunday as the only other “healthy” quarterback on the active roster.

SERIES HISTORY: 30th regular-season meeting. The Steelers lead the series, 20-9, and have won the past three meetings. The Steelers won last year’s game, 20-12, at Heinz Field. They’ve also won 10 of the 15 games contested in Kansas City.