PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers nose tackle Javon Hargrave may be quietly putting together a noteworthy start to his rookie season.

Hargrave was listed as the starting nose tackle when the Steelers released their first depth chart of the regular season. Hargrave is dealing with a quad injury, but if he’s able to play in the opener Monday at Washington, he will be on track to become the third rookie to start on the defense in 15 years.

“It’s a blessing, but at the same time, I still haven’t played yet,” Hargrave said Wednesday. “It’s not really official yet. I’m just taking it day by day, still getting better and trying to help the team.”

Hargrave, who beat out third-year defensive lineman Daniel McCullers for the starting spot, injured his quad in practice Monday, the same day he was promoted. Hargrave said the injury wasn’t serious.

“I was a little nervous,” Hargrave said. “It could’ve been worse, but I’m blessed that it wasn’t. It’s a blessing anytime you can avoid an injury like that.”

Hargrave is trying to become the second rookie in three years to start on the Steelers’ defense. Linebacker Ryan Shazier started as a rookie in 2014 and Kendrell Bell did the same as an inside linebacker in 2001.

“I just feel like I come out and work hard to try and get better every day,” Hargrave said. “I’m just doing things to help the team and take advantage of opportunities.”

The Steelers drafted the 6-foot-2, 305-pound Hargrave in the third round out of South Carolina State. Hargrave was dominant at the FCS level, where he was a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year in 2014 and ‘15. He amassed 37 sacks in 47 games.