Pittsburgh (KDKA)- Former Pitt offensive lineman Jason Pinkston thought he’d be a starter in the NFL but probably not in his rookie season.

Thanks to an injury it looks as though Pinkston will be the starting left guard for the Cleveland Browns.

The Browns found out yesterday that veteran Eric Steinbach would be lost for the season after having back surgery.

Prior to this season, Steinbach has started 124 of 125 career games between stops with the Browns and Cincinnati Bengals.

The good news for Pinkston is that he’ll be playing next to All-Pro left tackle Joe Thomas, which will be a big help for the rookie.

There’s still the chance that Browns GM Mike Holmgren attempts to sign a veteran lineman in the next couple days to replace Steinbach.

The Browns drafted Pinkston in the 5th round of this year’s draft.

Pinkston’s teammate at Pitt, Jabaal Sheard, is scheduled to start at defensive end for the Browns.