PITTSBURGH (AP) Eric Ebron isn't worried about Ben Roethlisberger's surgically repaired right elbow. The same goes for Ebron's balky ankle, which the newly signed Pittsburgh Steelers tight end said had “a whole lot of mess” in it before getting cleaned up in December.

While Ebron acknowledged he wouldn't quite be ready to go if the season started this week, he quickly pointed out that it doesn't. And when it does - whenever that might be - he'll be ready.

“(Steelers coach) Mike Tomlin pretty much told me that he was going to put me in the best possible situation to succeed," Ebron said Thursday, about a week removed from signing a two-year deal with the team. "There’s no other thing you want as a player that’s coming into pretty much prime of my career. I’m 26 years old, no better situation to be than where they’re going to use you to the best of your ability.”