Steelers sign C Fernando Velasco to add depth on O-line

On Monday, the Steelers and C Fernando Velasco agreed to terms on a one-year deal, the team announced.

Velasco (No. 61) joins the Steelers, who lost Pouncey for the season. (USATSI)

Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey was lost for the season less than four minutes into Sunday's Week 1 game against the Titans. He suffered a knee injury at the hands of his teammate, David DeCastro, leaving Pittsburgh scrambling to add depth to an already-thin offensive line. On Monday, the Steelers and Fernando Velasco agreed to terms on a one-year deal, the team announced.

Velasco, who started 16 games for the Titans last season, can play center and guard.

"[He] was the best available center-guard," Sirius XM's Adam Caplan wrote, "so [it's] a solid move for the Steelers. He could wind up starting this season for the team."

Velasco ranked 11th last season in ProFootballFocus.com's rankings for all centers, one spot ahead of -- you guessed it -- Maurkice Pouncey. But he was released 10 days ago after Rob Turner won the center job.

Velasco originally signed with the Titans in 2008 as an undrafted free agent out of Georgia.

The Steelers also lost inside linebacker Larry Foote (ruptured biceps) and running back LaRod Stephens-Howling (ACL) for the season.