Pittsburgh Steelers center Fernando Velasco came in off the street and filled in admirably once Maurkice Pouncey was lost early in the season opener. Unfortunately, he ruptured an Achilles in Week 13 loss to the Baltimore Ravens and has since been placed on injured reserve.
According to Jim Wexell of Steel City Insider, Velasco, who is currently in a boot, said Wednesday he’ll “definitely be ready for OTAs.”
The Georgia product is set to be come an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season and will likely remain unsigned until his Achilles rehab is completed, which normally takes six or seven months post surgery date.
Being ready for OTAs might be a bit optimistic for Velasco, but there is nothing wrong with setting it as a goal. He will miss out on the free agency process, but I have a good feeling that the Steelers will be able to get him back under contract by the time training camp rolls around.
