Steelers tackle Willie Colon underwent surgery on Tuesday morning for a torn triceps muscle suffered against the Baltimore Ravens and a few hours after Coach Mike Tomlin addressed the injury in his weekly press conference he was placed on injured reserve.
This is the second year that Colon suffered what could be a season-ending injury. Last year Colon missed the season with an Achilles injury suffered during the offseason.
"Needless to say it's a personal blow for Willie Colon," said Tomlin. "We are saddened for him.
For Willie, going down two consecutive seasons is a tough blow. We'll keep him close and encourage him and help him through what I am sure if going to be a tough time with rehab and so forth. More than anything Willie is a guy that loves to play the game of football and he won't be given an opportunity to do that.
"For us we acknowledge that this is a natural part of the game of football. Things like this along the journey happen. As a football team we'll do what football teams do of course, the next man up will move on and we'll expect him to play to the same standard."
That next person will be second-round pick Marcus Gilbert, who was drafted to play the left tackle position. Tomlin also said he will bring in some tackles to look at for a back-up role.
"We like where he is. He has performed well for us," said Tomlin of Gilbert. "He is a talented young guy, doesn't have a great deal of experience. We're going to give him an opportunity to play and show what he is capable of."
The Steelers added tackle Jamon Meredith to provide depth at tackle. Meredith spent the 2011 training camp with the New York Giants before being released on September 3. He was originally drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the fifth round in 2009.
