For Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Willie Colon, the disappointment of being placed on season-ending injured reserve with an Achilles injury in June was compound this week by the realization that he probably could return for a post-season run.

"My (teammates) made the comment they're kind of mad they put me on injured reserve after watching me do the shuttle runs," Colon said according to John Harris of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

A fourth-round pick (131st overall) out of Hofstra by the Steelers in 2006, the 6-3, 315-pounder from Hofstra has started 50 consecutive regular season games at right tackle for the Steelers, and four post-season games, as well.

For the second straight off-season, Colon was tendered at the "First Round" level as a restricted free agent, compensating him with $4.719 million while denying him the opportunity to test the free agent market. Provided that a new collective bargaining agreement is in place, Colon will get that chance after the season, and he'll apparently be healthy when he does so.

"I was surprised when I woke up (Thursday) morning," Colon said. "I thought I was going to be aching. It felt good."