LATROBE, Pa. -- Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor underwent successful surgery Tuesday to repair his broken left thumb.
Taylor injured the thumb during the first quarter of the Steelers' 16-7 loss to the Washington Redskins in the preseason opener last Friday. He had a pin inserted into the hand during Tuesday's procedure but felt well enough to join his teammates for lunch.
Taylor anticipates returning before the Steelers open the regular season at Baltimore on Sept. 11.
Taylor, 31, signed a four-year, $28 million contract last month to remain with the Steelers.
William Gay likely will start in Taylor's place Thursday when the Steelers host the Philadelphia Eagles at Heinz Field.
Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press