Steeler Nation desperately wants to see this guy back on the field. Looks like he’s on schedule for now. Credit: Jason Bridge-US PRESSWIRE

Mike Florio from ProFootballTalk can rub me the wrong way with some of his news and analysis within the NFL. But today, he’s made me rather happy, and put a little shot in the arm of Captain Hope.

Among the offensive craziness that took place in Morgantown, WV yesterday was a witnessed event that will cause the hearts of Steeler Nation to go a flutter. David DeCastro was seen walking around without a limp. Five weeks after a severe knee injury, DeCastro was in street clothes and walking around like person with two normally functioning legs.

Now before you go out and bet the farm that the Steelers will get to the Super Bowl from this news, realize that the Steelers can’t bring him back for another four weeks. The ‘designated to return’ IR title keeps him off the field for another four weeks (for a total of eight). The Steelers will also be very cautious in bringing DeCastro back. This guy is the future for the Steelers and won’t make a mistake in bringing him back too early just to get him back on the field. The temptation is there with the offensive line performing as poorly as they are. The run game is practically non-existant and that’s largely in part to DeCastro’s absence.

At least it is good to know that DeCastro’s recovery is coming along nicely, and he does not appear to have any significant evidence of a setback for his return.