Marcus Gilbert Eyes Week 1 Return

Despite calling his elbow injury “significant,” Pittsburgh Steelers right tackle Marcus Gilbert has vowed he will be healthy in time for the team’s season opener against the Washington Redskins.

Gilbert hyperextended his left elbow during the Steelers’ dominant victory over the Saints in the third week of preseason, often referred to as the “dress rehearsal” for the real thing.

“It is significant, but I’m going to have to push through it,” Gilbert said. “It’s something I have to play through. I’ll be [ready for week one] no matter what. If I have to wrap my arm up, it doesn’t matter. There’s no way I’m missing that first game.”

Gilbert’s determination is admirable, but his answers seem to suggest coaches and medical staff might not be quite as gung-ho about him playing hurt. He implied the injury would require surgery, telling reporters “not now” when asked if an operation was forthcoming.

Although the starting units on both sides of the ball played extremely well, Pittsburgh’s victory was dampened by early exits from Gilbert and DE Cameron Heyward – arguably the Steelers’ best defensive player – who was carted off with a suspected high ankle sprain. Heyward also expressed an intent to be ready by September 12, but even the most minor of sprains carries a recovery time of about a month, potentially jeopardizing his week one status.

Since being drafted in 2011, Gilbert has undergone serious growing pains compounded by some putrid offensive line play in Pittsburgh. Recently though, he has quietly developed into one of the best RTs in the game, and an integral part of a Steelers O-line toughened up by position coach Mike Munchak.

If Gilbert can’t go, former Bronco swing tackle Ryan Harris will likely take his place. After losing Kelvin Beachum to Jacksonville, Pittsburgh signed Harris to compete with Alejandro Villanueva at LT. He might soon find himself back in the starter’s circle amongst an O-line with huge responsibility in 2016.