In the wake of what appears to be a season-ending injury to offensive lineman Willie Colon, Mike Tomlin says that 2011 second-round NFL Draft pick Marcus Gilbert “will be given the opportunity” to win the job at right tackle.
This doesn’t mean that the Steelers are settled at the position – there might be more to come here. Here’s Behind The Steel Curtain on the Gilbert news:
Gilbert and second-year T Chris Scott were the likely replacements for Colon. The reference to Gilbert getting “the first crack” at earning the position long-term indicates the competition still may be up in the air. [Tomlin] said he expects to work out a few veterans, noting it would be for depth.
We’ll see what the Steelers ultimately do with Colon’s roster spot. In any case, this presents an excellent opportunity for Gilbert, who will get a chance to show his stuff as a rookie.