Steelers’ Cortez Allen undergoes knee surgery
By Matt Shetler
The 2013 season is poised to be a big one in the future of Pittsburgh Steelers’ cornerback Cortez Allen.
However it is not getting off to a good start.
December 30, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Cortez Allen (28) reacts as he takes the field against the Cleveland Browns during the first quarter at Heinz Field. The Pittsburgh Steelers won 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
The Steelers released a statement from coach Mike Tomlin, saying Allen had “minor surgery on his right knee” today.
"“We wanted him to get the surgery done now so he can begin rehabilitating immediately,” the statement read. “This surgery was a minor procedure and will have no long-term effects on his return to the field. We look forward to his rehabilitation process and having him back on the field in a couple of weeks.”"
Allen entered camp stepping into a much bigger role as he came into camp listed as the starter opposite of Ike Taylor after the departure of free agent Keenan Lewis during the offseason.
If the procedure is as minor as Tomlin suggests, it shouldn’t be anything for Steelers’ fans to get worked up about as Allen should be back before the end of preseason.
However if for some reason it turns into an issue, the Steelers could be in trouble.
What it means in the short term is that William Gay has to step up as the likely starter opposite Taylor as he will likely get all of the first team reps.
It also gives an opportunity to Curtis Brown, who will move into the nickel back role. It will also be interesting to see if rookie Shamarko Thomas will get some reps in the nickel as well.
As for Allen, while he entered camp as the starter, it’s far from a certainty that he can handle the job for a 16-game season.
He will have a lot of work to do when he returns, although the coaching staff has shown confidence in the fact that he will be able to do so.
The surgery makes a lot of sense to get done now as opposed to dealing with a lingering knee injury all season.