Steelers Activate Maurkice Pouncey From COVID-19 List
The Pittsburgh Steelers activated center Maurkice Pouncey from the Reserve/COVID-19 list on Friday. Pouncey has missed the team's last two games against the Ravens and the Washington Football Team, and the offense has struggled in both of those games. But the Steelers are getting both Pouncey and running back James Conner back in Week 14 against the Bills on Sunday night. Getting the eight-time Pro Bowler back on the offensive line is excellent news for both Conner and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Buffalo's defense has taken a step back this year and has allowed the sixth-most fantasy points per game to the QB position. Big Ben and the Steelers offense will look to bounce back after taking their first loss of the season, with Roethlisberger being a low-end QB1.
The Pittsburgh Steelers placed center Maurkice Pouncey on the Reserve/COVID-19 list on Wednesday, according to a source. It's unclear if Pouncey actually tested positive for COVID-19, but either way he will be out for the game against the Ravens. Running back Wendell Smallwood and offensive lineman Anthony Coyle have been elevated to the game-day roster as COVID-19 replacements. Despite Pouncey going on the list, the Steelers and Ravens will play on Wednesday. Pouncey's absence will be a slight downgrade for quarterback Ben Roethlisberger against a strong Ravens Defense that will be at less than full strength for this huge divisional game. The Steelers will start J.C. Hassenauer at center on Wednesday, according to NFL Network's Aditi Kinkhabwala.
The Pittsburgh Steelers signed center Maurkice Pouncey to an extension through the 2021 season on Thursday for an average of $11 million per year, making him the highest-paid center in the league. The 29-year-old has been a foundation on the team's offensive line since he was the 18th overall pick in the 2010 draft. Pouncey is a two-time first-team All-Pro and has gone to seven Pro Bowls. The move to lock Pouncey up is great news for quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and the running game in 2019 and beyond.