Steelers RT Colon injures Achilles, expected to miss 2010 season

Pittsburgh Steelers right tackle Willie Colon is expected to miss the entire 2010 season after suffering what doctors believe to be a torn Achilles' tendon, a source with knowledge of the situation said Monday.

Colon, who didn't miss a game the previous three seasons, likely will have season-ending surgery Wednesday. He injured the Achilles' tendon during a Monday workout and left the Steelers' facility on crutches.

Colon had an MRI on Monday, and the Steelers likely will make an announcement about those results Tuesday. The injury recovery time is at least five to six months, and the Steelers plan to place Colon on season-ending injured reserve, according to the source.

Colon's injury is the latest blow to a Pittsburgh offense that will be without franchise quarterback Ben Roethlisberger for at least the first four games of the 2010 season because of suspension. Top wide receiver Santonio Holmes, facing a suspension himself, was traded to the New York Jets in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick this offseason.

The Steelers' depth at tackle is limited behind Colon and could affect their plans to emphasize the running game next season. One option might be to use first-round draft pick Maurkice Pouncey, who played center and guard at the University of Florida, in Colon's spot.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.