Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has praised rookie linebacker Jarvis Jones for the improvement he has shown so far this season.

Jones was the Steelers' first-round pick in this year's Draft but has struggled to make an impact on the field so far, with just one sack to his name all season.

However, Tomlin believes that he has shown impressive growth as a player in other aspects of his game and insists that he is happy with the rookie's contribution so far.

"Although his numbers might not be jumping off the page at you, I really think [Jones] is settling in and playing harder and faster and displaying understanding at an increased rate every week," Tomlin told reporters.

"That's an element of playing well and producing plays."

Jones is likely to feature heavily in the final two games of the regular season after starting outside linebacker LaMarr Woodley was placed on season-ending injured reserve.