Marcus Gilbert Says Quadriceps is ‘Fine,’ Expects to Start

Mandatory Credit: Vincent Pugliese-USA TODAY Sports

Marcus Gilbert missed almost the entirety of Pittsburgh’s game last weekend against Baltimore due to a pulled quadriceps. To his backup’s credit, Guy Whimper filled in at right tackle for the rest of the game and “held down the fort” against Elvis Dumervil.

Pittsburgh’s second round pick from the 2010 NFL Draft had the following to say about his injury and his current status in recent article by Mike Prisuta of Steelers.com:

"I re-pulled it, … I knew there would be a chance I was going to re-injure it. I went out there and tried to give it my all. It’s completely fine right now."

Gilbert, who practiced fully earlier today according to Prisuta, is anticipating that he will start Pittsburgh’s upcoming game in Oakland. While it would be great to have Gilbert healthy again, one must not dismiss Whimper’s play last Sunday and him potentially starting this weekend against the Raiders.

Although we will not know who will start at right tackle until Sunday arrives, the decision regarding “Gilbert or Whimper at right tackle?” is definitely an intriguing one.

I just hope that if Gilbert does start that Pittsburgh’s coaching staff will be unafraid to go to the bench with either Whimper or Mike Adams if the former Florida Gator struggles.

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

Follow on Twitter: @DominicDiTolla and @NicePickCowherC

Like “NPC” on Facebook: Nice Pick, Cowher