Tag Archives: Fernando Velasco

Fernando Velasco Signs With The Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers have signed former Steelers center Fernando Velasco, the team announced this evening.

https://twitter.com/Panthers/status/492062842602807297

The free agent center was signed by the Steelers last September after Maurkice Pouncey suffered a season ending injury during week one against Tennessee. The former Titans starter stepped in and exceeded the expectations of many fans and members of the media. He was placed on Injured Reserve after suffering an achilles injury in November.

Last year when Velasco didn’t make the Titans final roster, then Head Coach Mike Munchak said, “Fernando’s a guy who grew up with me as a line coach, so you know how I felt about him.” He went on to say that money wasn’t part of the reason he was released. With Munchak leading the Steelers offensive line this year, it’s not hard to imagine that his influence was a big factor in Velasco not being re-signed.

Most Of O-Line Back To Full Practice And Other Injury News

Most of the offensive line returned to full participation today during practice. Mike Adams (ribs), Kelvin Beachum (hip), David DeCastro (ankle), Marcus Gilbert (ankle) and Fernando Velasco (knee) were all full participants today. Ramon Foster however, did not participate again today. Guy Whimper told media that he has been practicing at left guard, and is preparing to start against the Lions. He did add however that, “ I prepare to start every week because you never know. It’s the NFL. Guys get banged up.”

Brett Keisel (foot) and LaMarr Woodley (calf) also did not participate in practice for the second day in a row.

Steelers Sign C/G Fernando Velasco

The Steelers agreed to terms with former Titans C/G Fernando Velasco today. The deal was for one year, but the financial details were not immediately available. Velasco started 16 games for the Titans last year. 13 of those games at center, and 3 at LG. Many considered Velasco to be the best available center on the open market. If you put a lot of stock into PFF’s grading, they had him graded as the number 11 center last year.

The team has moved quickly to replace the players who were seriously injured yesterday with the signing of Velasco and the re-signing of Jonathan Dwyer. It will be interesting to see what they do about replacing Larry Foote, who tore his bicep yesterday.