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Steelers OT Chuks Okorafor Addresses Benching

The Pittsburgh Steelers right tackle speaks on the decisions that led to his benching.

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers made a change along the offensive line in Week 9, deciding to bench veteran Chuks Okorafor and replace him for rookie Broderick Jones. 

When asked about the benching, head coach Mike Tomlin said Okorafor's actions after the team's loss to the Jaguars was the reason for the decision. Okorafor also confirmed it was not performance-based but acknowledged he definitely hurt his standing with the team. 

"Day-by-day, many," Okorafor said on trying to navigate through the situation. "If I knew it was going to happen, I wouldn't have said or done what I did. But like I said, it isn't much I can do. I'm just going to have to go day-by-day."

Okorafor said he's using the same "day-to-day" mentality to earn the team's trust back and to, hopefully, fight his way back into the starting lineup. 

"I can't really speak on what's going to happen next week or in two weeks. I kind of take it day by day," Okorafor said. "At this point, I'm just trying to help out Broderick. He's still young, but in the couple games, he's played well. I'm just trying to see something I can help with." 

Right now, the Steelers list both Okorafor and Jones as their starters at right tackle, and will work throughout the week to make their decision before game day. 

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