Steelers guard David DeCastro 'little rusty' but effective in season debut

For just the second time since 2013, an injury prevented David DeCastro from playing in regular-season games when he sat out Pittsburgh Steelers’ victories in Weeks 1 and 2.

“It’s not fun being hurt, not being able to be out there with the guys,” DeCastro said, “so I couldn’t wait to get back.”

DeCastro made his season debut Sunday during the Steelers’ 28-21 victory against the Houston Texans. Although the impact of a right guard — even a reigning five-time Pro Bowl right guard, as DeCastro is — can be difficult to quantify, the offense amassed 387 yards, including 169 rushing, and Ben Roethlisberger was sacked just twice as the Steelers improved to 3-0.

“I loved it,” running back James Conner said of DeCastro’s return. “I love it. Any time I know Dave is pulling, you have trust because he’s a beast. I can’t say enough about him — his work ethic, his dedication to his game, his consistency.”

Decastro missed several games in his 2012 rookie season because of injury, but the only games he’d missed since for that reason since ‘13 were two in ‘18 when he had a broken hand.

This time, it was a sprain of his left knee suffered during an intrasquad scrimmage Aug. 28. DeCastro did not practice for almost four weeks before returning Wednesday. He made it through all three practices leading to the Texans game without incident.

“It’s in pretty good shape,” DeCastro said of his knee. “(He was) a little rusty, a little slow here and there, but for most part felt really good.”

Veteran free-agent signee Stefen Wisniewski started in place of DeCastro during the season opener at the New York Giants, and rookie fourth-round pick Kevin Dotson started the home-opening win against the Denver Broncos last week.

Each performed well, but there’s no replacing DeCastro in his role as one of the NFL’s best guards and as a team leader.

“Kevin did a great job filling in, but Dave is special,” Roethlisberger said. “Dave is one of the guys that makes this thing go. I told him how happy I was to have him back — not because he’s a really good football player (but) he’s a friend. It really just means a lot to have him out there. I’m glad he came out feeling good and we got a win for him. I’m really looking forward to moving forward with him out there.”