The Pittsburgh Steelers didn't envision their season beginning the way it has. After Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers, Vance McDonald's arm was in a sling on Tuesday.

Earlier in the offseason, the Steelers decided to let Jesse James walk in free agency. Following his departure from the team, Pittsburgh didn't sufficiently fill his void in the offense by taking Zach Gentry in the fifth round of this year's draft.

Additionally, the loss of Antonio Brown made the presence of Vance McDonald more important in the offense. Now, McDonald is likely to miss one or multiple games with an arm injury.

In his seven years in the NFL, the veteran tight end has been plagued by injuries. Altogether, McDonald has missed 23 games due to injury since he was picked by the 49ers in the 2013 NFL Draft.

Prior to his injury this season, McDonald had become a security blanket for second-year quarterback Mason Rudolph. The Steelers' tight end has 10 receptions for 88 yards and two touchdowns this season in three games.

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If McDonald misses any time, Xavier Grimble and Gentry will need to fill in at the tight end spot. The production isn't going to be the same at tight end; other pass-catchers will need to step up.

Luckily for the Steelers, they have until Monday to manufacture a game plan that accounts for McDonald likely being out in Week 4. Pittsburgh will face a winless Cincinnati Bengals team on Monday.