Willie Colon Injury: Thin Offensive Line Is Last Thing Pittsburgh Steelers Need

The Pittsburgh Steelers have as big a legacy as any team in the NFL, but Sunday will not go into the books as one of the organization's brighter days.

In case you missed it, this is because the Steelers got embarrassed by the arch-rival Baltimore Ravens by the final of 35-7. It was an ugly loss on all fronts, and the hits are still coming on Monday.

According to a report from Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, starting right tackle Willie Colon has a torn triceps muscle that must be repaired with surgery.

Joe Linta, Colon's agent, said Colon is "likely" to go on injured reserve. If and when he does, his 2011 season will be over.

You have to feel for Colon. He missed all of 2010 too, as he was sidelined after tearing his Achilles tendon during the summer. The Steelers nevertheless signed him to a five-year, $29 million deal earlier this summer, only to enjoy Colon's services for one game.

As for how the Steelers are going to deal with Colon's absence, it stands to reason that they'll go out and make a move. They released both Flozell Adams and Max Starks during the summer, and both of them are still free agents; maybe the Steelers will give one or both of them a call.

Even if the Steelers do go out and make a move, the offensive line is still going to be an issue. It's a unit that allowed Ben Roethlisberger to be sacked 32 times in 12 games last season, and Big Ben was sacked four more times by the Ravens on Sunday.

The more hits he takes, the greater the risk of him being injured. And if Big Ben goes down, the Steelers go down.

It's only been one game, but dark clouds are already gathering over Pittsburgh's 2011 season. The Steelers have a number of issues they need to hammer out, but shoring up the offensive line should be at the top of their list of priorities.

If they don't, they'll regret it.

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LIFE HURTS. THIS INJURY UPDATE BROUGHT TO YOU BY DICKIES.