Steelers rookie OL DeCastro on the mend - WFMJ.com News weather sports for Youngstown-Warren Ohio

PITTSBURGH (AP) - Pittsburgh Steelers rookie offensive guard David DeCastro's injured right knee is feeling better, and the first-round pick is optimistic he'll return at some point this season.

DeCastro underwent surgery last month to repair damage suffered when the knee buckled in grisly fashion during a preseason win over Buffalo on Aug. 25. The Steelers placed him on the injured reserve-recall list, meaning he could be activated at some point during the second half of the year.

DeCastro is still limited to work on a stationary bike but is walking without a brace. He hasn't been cleared to run yet though his teammates have praised his attentiveness in meetings while he goes through rehab.

The Steelers made the former Stanford All-American the 24th overall pick in last April's draft and he was penciled to start at right guard before getting hurt.

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