Maurkice Pouncey has been huge for the Pittsburgh Steelers throughout the 2010 season, but the Steelers will be without their Pro Bowl center on Sunday as they take the field in the Super Bowl. Pouncey injured his ankle in the AFC Championship, but head coach Mike Tomlin had been keeping his status for Super Bowl 45 close to the vest, still holding out hope he could take the field against the Green Bay Packers. When Pouncey was unable to practice on Friday, he was ruled out for the game, according to a live report on ESPN, leaving the job up to backup Doug Legursky.
It’s been impossible to tell what Pouncey’s injury actually is, with reports ranging from a simple ankle sprain to a broken ankle in the two weeks leading up to the Super Bowl. At media day, Pouncey was wearing a boot, but sounded more than optimistic about his chances to play, telling the media he wanted nothing more than to be there for his team on Sunday. On Thursday, his ankle boot was removed, further increasing the chances he may be able to go.
In the end, Pouncey simply ran out of time. The Steelers take a big hit without him in the middle of the offensive line, and though Legursky is a capable replacement, it’s still a step down. Facing an athletic front seven that can bring pressure from anywhere, how Legursky steps up will be a key for the Steelers on Sunday.
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