Nov 10, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) center Fernando Velasco (61) and guard Ramon Foster (73) at the line of scrimmage during the first quarter of a game against the Buffalo Bills at Heinz Field. Pittsburgh won the game 23-10. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Fernando Velasco
Velasco was doing very well as a formidable backup center for the Steelers while filling in for the injured Maurkice Pouncey. Every week there appeared an improvement in his play, and it looked as if he would be the guy to stick around as long as Pouncey remind sidelined, even into the 2014 season if need be. Velasco ruptured his right achilles during a Week 13 loss to the Ravens, and Cody Wallace replaced Velasco for the rest of the season. In a post from Behind The Steeler Curtain back in mid-May, Velasco stated that he was “running full speed.”
It’s unclear if the Steelers are dead set on moving on without Velasco indefinitely. The team signed Wallace to a three year extension this offseason, and have yet to be in contact with Velasco. That does not mean his days are numbered with the Steelers. Steeler Nation is all too familiar with how this offensive line has a tendency to deal with numerous injuries over the course of the season. Looking at the latest depth chart, there isn’t much experience waiting behind the other guards – which Velasco is very capable of playing. So while the position of center might be locked up with Pouncey and Wallace, Velasco just might get a phone call during camp or early in the season if he hasn’t signed with another team by then. That is as long as that achilles is good to go.