The Pittsburgh Steelers unfortunately lost more than just their season opener during a 35-7 defeat at the hands of the Baltimore Ravens Sunday afternoon. Though it was unclear at the time that Willie Colon had suffered any sort of serious injury, reports surfaced on Monday that the veteran right tackle had torn a triceps muscle during a scramble for a fumble in the fourth quarter. Later on Monday afternoon, Ed Bouchette confirmed the reports of Colon’s injury, mentioning that Colon’s 2011 season might be in jeopardy.
The common consensus is that the Steelers will try to bring back Flozell Adams, whom they released earlier this summer. But it’s not clear if Adams has been staying in shape since being released. Even if he has, it’s likely that he’d need a few weeks of practice and physical contact before being thrown out there as the starting tight tackle. Perhaps not, but if so, the Steelers can at least rely on veteran Trai Essex to fill the void in the interim. A journeyman swing tackle, Essex has proven that he’s not a guy you want starting for an extended period of time. But he’s serviceable and more proven than, say, rookie Marcus Gilbert.
If I had to guess, I’d say that Essex is your Week 2 starter at right tackle against the Seattle Seahawks. Whoever the Steelers bring in, if anybody, would then have a week and a half or so to get ready for the team’s Week 3 road game against the Colts.
We’ll find out on Tuesday I imagine, but suffice it to say, the 2011 season hasn’t gotten off to the best of starts for the six-time champs.