Fernando Velasco Inked By Center-Starved Steelers

Dec 17, 2012; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Jake Locker (10) celebrates with left guard Fernando Velasco (61) and right tackle Mike Otto (66) after scoring on a 13-yard touchdown run in the third quarter as New York Jets cornerback Ellis Lankster (26) and linebacker Calvin Pace (97) watch at LP Field. The Titans defeated the Jets 14-10. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

Even after the preseason came to a close, the Steelers were in need of some experienced depth at the center position behind Maurkice Pouncey.  Unfortunately for Pittsburgh, the loss of Pouncey all but sent this team into “panic mode” after it was learned that the “Pro Bowler” hurt his ACL and MCL.

Thankfully, the Steelers were at least able to acquire some extra depth today at the center position.  According to Darrin Gannt of “Pro Football Talk” (via Adam Caplan of TheSidelineView.com Pittsburgh’s front office inked the recently released Fernando Velasco earlier today.

Velasco (6’3″ 308 lbs.) actually started all 16 regular season games at center and left guard last fall for Tennessee.  Sadly for him, he was released prior to this regular season after the Titans’ brass spent this past offseason bolstering their offensive line.  Overall, Velasco has played in 48 career games and logged a total of 19 starts during his professional career.

Whether or not the Steelers will activate the 28 year-old center for their upcoming game against the Bengals is still an important question.  Yet it would not shock me at all if they started the veteran over Kelvin Beachum and Cody Wallace next Monday night due to his overall experience.

Stats & Info. Provided By: ESPN.com, Steelers.com and Pro Football Reference

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