Steelers GM Kevin Colbert updates status of injured players heading into offseason

In the NFL, coaches and personnel are extremely tight-lipped when talking about injuries, and rightfully so. The team will report what they need to report, but other than that it is business as usual. If you followed Mike Tomlin's press conferences throughout the 2015 season, any question asked about injured center Maurkice Pouncey was met with a stern look and a vague quote about his status.

The issue wasn't the question, but the fact Pouncey -- who was placed on short term injured reserve -- was supposed to return near the bye week, but ended up missing the entire 2015 season due to an infection in the wound which ultimately required a second surgery on the same ankle.

So with 2015 officially in the books, and the NFL Scouting Combine upon us, GM Kevin Colbert took the podium to answer questions from the local, and national media. This is one of those situations where Colbert says everything, while saying absolutely nothing.

Of all that was said, an update on Pouncey and Le'Veon Bell, who injured his knee in the Week 8 game against the Cincinnati Bengals last year, were certainly worth noting. It wasn't much, but Colbert said the two All-Pro players are progressing well in their return from injuries.

It may be brushed off by many, but these two players can be the difference in the Steelers climbing that fabled 'Stairway to Seven', and falling short again. The fact either player hasn't suffered any type of setback at this point in their rehabilitation is a positive sign for the Steelers in 2016.

Colbert talked openly about being excited to see DeAngelo Williams and Bell on the field together next season. As for the fan base, I think they would all agree seeing Williams, Pouncey, Bell, Martavis Bryant, Antonio Brown, and Ben Roethlisberger all playing at the same time, for an extended period of time, is enough to make the most tame fan giddy.