Troy Fautanu went into the 2024 season with so much hope for his rookie year.

The team's No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft was looking to step in and start at tackle and be a steady force all season on the team's offensive line.

Unfortunately, it didn't play out that way.

Fautanu, the 20th overall pick in the draft out of the University of Washington, suffered a knee injury in the preseason opener, which forced him to miss the remainder of the preseason.

He was able to come back, starting the team's Week 2 game against the Denver Broncos, but landed back on the injury report the following week with a separate injury and was placed on the Reserve/Injured List, where he spent the rest of the season.

"I remember the play exactly," said Fautanu. "I was trying to sit down and anchor and it kind of just gave out. It felt a little different than it did previously. I kind of knew something was up.

"It was heartbreaking when I got that MRI. There was nothing I could do about it.

"All I know is that I was crying. I don't cry too much. That was pretty heartbreaking because you have so many expectations coming into the year, especially for myself. I expect a lot from myself. I knew how much work I had put in. It cut my season short, very short."

While there were tears, there was also plenty of resolve from Fautanu to make sure he moved in the right direction.

"It's not how I wanted this to go, how I planned on it going," said Fautanu. "I did learn a lot just being around here. I had an opportunity to go do my rehab elsewhere. But I wanted to be here and be around the team. I'm learning and picking up a lot of things from these guys that have been around the league a long time. I'm just excited to really attack this offseason and get back on the field.

"For me, it's all been time off. I've had three months off. I'm ready to go."

Fautanu, who said if the Steelers continued a playoff run he might have been able to come back, fully expects to be back when the Steelers return for OTAs.

"One hundred percent," said Fautanu. "I'll be ready to go then. I'm looking to just get ready. Mentally, I've been ready to play football.

"I feel like I haven't played football in years, just watching. I'm excited to attack the offseason. I've had my time off. I'm ready to go."

Learning was one of the biggest benefits for Fautanu this year, getting a grasp on what it takes to play at the NFL level, what is required, and so much more.

"Just kind of seeing everyone's routine, what they do in terms of taking care of your body," said Fautanu. "In college, I could go out there and play without taking care of my body, go home and eat whatever I want and show up on Saturday and play pretty well.

"In this league, you've got to find a way to get a winning edge and that's by taking care of your body. That's something I learned the last few months."