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Steelers highly anticipated rookie is on track to make his debut in Week 1
Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been bitten by the injury bug in a big way heading into the season. 

Already down a player that many would argue is the best offensive lineman on the roster, Isaac Seumalo, the offense has been without key contributors and or rookies all preseason. 

According to Mike Tomlin that could soon be changing. 

Tomlin bullish on team health

"We had a couple of guys working in a partial capacity yesterday in our bonus day and we expect that to continue and increase as we push towards game time," Coach Tomlin said on Tuesday. "Those guys are Roman Wilson and Troy Fautanu. We're optimistic about both guys. Jaylen Warren can also be included in that discussion along with Cory Trice. We'll watch as we go through the week, and make sure we don't get any negative trends, but not only from a health standpoint, some of these guys don't have extended resumes, and so we'll be watching the quality of their play as well as we reengage them in this ready in process."

The news bodes well for everyone Coach Tomlin mentioned, but particularly Roman Wilson and Troy Fautanu. Two rookies that had either very limited preseason exposure, or none at all in the case of Wilson, the sooner they can get on the field, the better. 

We await the first official injury report of the season on Wednesday, in which any activity level, but especially a full participation note would add to the optimism that Tomlin is portraying. 

And not to hedge against any positivity, but even if Wilson is cleared and ready to play on Sunday, his usage likely wouldn't be at a level that many want. It takes any rookie time to get up to speed, but especially one who has yet to play in any kind of capacity. 

A debut is better than a delay, however, and the news is a good sign for the Steelers offense. 

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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