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Report: Fernando Velasco will start at center for Steelers in Week 2

Velasco will replace Maurkice Pouncey in the team's starting lineup against Cincinnati Monday. Kelvin Beachum, who replaced Pouncey during the Steelers' Week 1 loss to Tennessee, may still see action at tight end.

By Neal Coolong
Brian A. Westerholt
The Steelers will enter Paul Brown Stadium with its newest roster member starting for the team.

Post-Gazette reporter Gerry Dulac posted on the site's subscription side that Fernando Velasco will start Monday when the Steelers and Bengals kick off in their primetime game. Velasco, signed Monday, has apparently gotten comfortable enough to snap, replacing veteran Maurkice Pouncey, who tore his ACL and MCL in the Steelers' Week 1 loss to Tennessee.

Velasco was released by the Titans this training camp, largely due to his lack of position flexibility. The Steelers needed a center, and may have gotten a very effective one, even if he can't play guard.

The Steelers have failed to see a running back rush for 100 yards or more since Isaac Redman hit 147 against the Giants in Week 9 last year. Cincinnati, a strong run-defensive team, will look to extend that streak at 8:40 p.m. ET Monday. Both teams are 0-1 heading into their Week 2 games.

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