The Steelers have started two different players at right guard in their first two games, and they'll make it three in three games Sunday when they host the Texans at Heinz Field.
But this time around, it's expected to be David DeCastro making his first start of the 2020 season as the All-Pro guard will return to practice for the Steelers Wednesday after missing the first two games of the season with a knee injury that sidelined him for the majority of the team's training camp.
"The schedule is for him to participate this week and to let the quality of that participation, the result of that participation, kind of be our guide in terms of determining his availability," Mike Tomlin said Tuesday.
"We're at that stage now with him."
DeCastro's return comes at a good time for the Steelers, who will be looking for their first 3-0 start since the 2010 season against the Texans (0-2). Houston will move three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt all over its defensive front in an attempt to exploit matchups.
Watt, who has struggled with injuries in recent years, is coming off a two-sack performance in the Texans' 33-16 loss to the Ravens last Sunday.
In DeCastro's absence, veteran Stefen Wisniewski, signed as a free agent in the offseason, started the Steelers' season-opening win against the Giants. But he suffered a pectoral injury that landed him on short-term injured reserve and is expected to be out at least a month.
Rookie Kevin Dotson, a fourth-round draft pick, made his first career start at right guard in a 26-21 win over the Broncos last Sunday and would start again if DeCastro is deemed unable to play. The Steelers allowed just one sack and three quarterback hits in the win over Denver, with Dotson not giving up any of those.
While DeCastro will return to practice Wednesday, three other players are expected to miss the practice with minor injuries. Linebacker Bud Dupree suffered a shoulder injury that will slow him early in the week, while nose tackle Tyson Alualu has a knee contusion that will be rested.
Second-year wide receiver Diontae Johnson, meanwhile, continues to deal with a toe injury that kept him out of practice last week. But the injury didn't seem to affect him in the game. Johnson led the Steelers with 8 receptions for 92 yards and a touchdown while also returning a punt for a touchdown that was called back due to a penalty.