The Pittsburgh Steelers had a plan. Draft offensive tackle Troy Fautanu out of Washington, let him work his way into the starting lineup and then prosper. Those plans were derailed almost immediately when Fautanu suffered a knee injury in the team's first preseason game against the Houston Texans.

Now the Steelers are headed into their third and final preseason game and Fautanu is still on the mend. There's been no timetable set by head coach Mike Tomlin for Fautaunu's return and according to the talented rookie, it is a slow progression.

Fautaunu spoke to the media and while he remained optimistic there was clearly frustration that he is not able to contribute.

Fautanu's absence means the Steelers' starting offensive tackles remain Dan Moore Jr. on the left and Broderick Jones on the right. It isn't clear how the Steelers will handle Fautanu's injury at the start of the season but he could find himself on IR to start the year.

More 2024 Steelers season!

Steelers fans bring back Matt Canada on social media in the most hilarious way

Steelers QB says team is playing its starters vs Lions

3 AFC North teams make ESPN's declining list

This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers OT Troy Fautanu making 'slow progression' with knee injury