As the Steelers 2013 training camp approaches the one week mark, injuries continue to lead the news, as Cortez Allen underwent minor surgery on his knee.

#Steelers cornerback Cortez Allen has had minor knee surgery.
— Dale Lolley (@dlolleyor) August 2, 2013

Dale Lolley also reported that it is his understanding that Allen suffers from a meniscus issue, although he could not confirm the news.

If that is the case, meniscus injures are relatively minor compared to ligament damage, and Mike Tomlin has said that he expects Allen to miss “a few weeks.”

Not Time to Hit the Panic Button Yet, But…

While the Steelers likely lost one of its most promising 2013 undrafted rookie free agents when offensive lineman Nik Embernate was carted off the field with what looked to be a season-ending injury, Pittsburgh is in better shape than some of the other teams around the league (see Dennis Pitta of the Ravens).

Allen has had 2 years in Dick LeBeau’s defense, and will likely return to practice well before the season opener.

• Still, for a team ravaged by injuries in both 2011 and 2012, the trend that is forming is not positive.

William Gay has assumed Allen’s slot at nickel back, and Allen’s injury presents and opportunity for Curtis Brown.

The Steelers selected Curtis Brown a in the 3rd round of the 2011 NFL Draft, and when Brown entered the NFL he was seen as more of a finished product than Allen, who the Steelers drafted in the 4th round in 2011. But while Brown has excelled on special teams, he also struggled last year when forced into the starting line up vs. San Diego (again, did anyone look good that day?)

Josh Victorian is also a likely beneficiary, as with Demarcus Van Dyke out he too will get more playing time.

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