PITTSBURGH -- Stephon Tuitt is getting closer to breaking into the Pittsburgh Steelers' rotation along the defensive line.

The rookie defensive end played 12 snaps in the Steelers' 17-9 win at Jacksonville last Sunday, and defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau reiterated what coach Mike Tomlin said earlier this week: Tuitt will see more playing time as the second-round draft pick continues to develop.

"He's coming along real good and we're looking to get him in there and get some action," LeBeau said Thursday.

LeBeau raved about Tuitt during training camp and said he had never seen a player that big who run like the 6-5, 303-pounder does.

LeBeau also said several times that Tuitt would play a lot this season but that hasn't materialized through the first five games of the season.

Tuitt is getting noticeably more comfortable on the field as he strengthens his grasp of the defense, and Wednesday the Notre Dame product intercepted a pass in practice and returned it for a touchdown.

Asked why Tuitt, who has played primarily on special teams to this point, hasn't had a bigger role on defense, LeBeau said, "I think if you ask us that question in a couple of weeks we'll be answering it a little differently."

LeBeau praised another rookie defensive lineman Thursday and said nose tackle Daniel McCullers is making good progress.

The 6-7, 352-pounder has yet to dress for a game this season but LeBeau said the Steelers aren't necessarily holding the sixth-round draft pick out this season as McCullers adjusts to the NFL.

"He's got size and strength and he's working hard," LeBeau said. "He's another guy you could see on the field on any given Sunday."