Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Cortez Allen underwent surgery on his right knee today, the team announced.

It wasn't characterized as a major procedure, meaning it was likely arthroscopic in nature.

"We wanted him to get the surgery done now so he can begin rehabilitating immediately," Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said in a statement. "This surgery was a minor procedure and will have no long-term effects on his return to the field. We look forward to his rehabilitation process and having him back on the field in a couple of weeks.

Allen is slated to start now that Keenan Lewis is with the New Orleans Saints.

The Steelers will need Allen to be at full strength for the regular season and are counting on him to make it back quickly.

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Aaron Wilson covers the Ravens for The Baltimore Sun.