Pittsburgh Steelers expected to start Kion Wilson at ILB

Aug 24, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Chase Daniel (10) throws a pass under pressure from Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Kion Wilson (48) in the second half at Heinz Field. The Chiefs won the game in overtime, 26-20. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports /

When the Pittsburgh Steelers take the field against the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday Night Football in Week Two, they will be looking to turn things around after their disappointing loss in the season-opener to the Tennessee Titans.

During the game, the Steelers lost starting center Maurkice Pouncey (ACL/MCL), starting linebacker Larry Foote (biceps) and running back LaRod Stephens-Howling (ACL) for the season.

The team has been working hard to replace the players on the roster — Kelvin Beachum is expected to start at center, despite the signing of Fernando Velasquez, and the team re-signed Jonathan Dwyer — but they appear to be ready to stay in house to replace their starting middle linebacker opposite Lawrence Timmons.

According to reports, Kion Wilson, who was an undrafted player in 2010, is expected to take the starting spot over sixth-round pick Vince Williams. Before joining the Steelers, Wilson was a member of the Carolina Panthers and San Diego Chargers practice squads. He was promoted to the Chargers active roster in 2010, but suffered a season-ending ankle injury.

Wilson has appeared in just nine games since 2010 as primarily a special teams player, but he will get his chance to burst on to the scene in primetime next week.

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