Steelers cornerback Senquez Golson given clean bill of health heading into the offseason

Fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers were excited to see the organization draft a cornerback in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft. Despite many complaining about his smaller stature, Senquez Golson had the look of a player who could make a difference in a very porous secondary.

After his draft selection, many thought Golson could man the interior cornerback position his rookie season, before possibly moving to the outside later in his career. Those events never took place as Golson injured his shoulder, tearing his labrum, prior to training camp.

The injury placed him on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, and eventually to Injured Reserve -- ending his rookie season before it ever started. As players cleaned out their lockers Monday, Golson spoke to reporters for the first time since training camp, and he had good news heading into the offseason.

Steelers 2nd-rd pick CB Senquez Golson said he was officially cleared to play (100% health) on Jan 1. "Normal offseason training," he said.

— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) January 18, 2016

The Steelers will be banking on Golson to contribute to the team in a big way, after essentially having a red-shirt year with the shoulder injury. The organization will need him to bounce back with three of the four cornerbacks on the roster set to hit free agency at the end of the NFL season.

William Gay, Antwon Blake and Brandon Boykin all are going to be looking for a potential new home in 2016, and Golson will have plenty of opportunities to prove he was worth his 2nd round status in the coming year.