Another name joins the long list of players who were injured this 2015 preseason as Pittsburgh Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey suffered a left ankle injury last Sunday in their first preseason victory against the Green Bay Packers.
According to NFL.com, National Football League (NFL) Media's Albert Breer reported that Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters following their preseason win that Pouncey will likely undergo surgery.
Breer also said Tomlin did not give a timeline for Pouncey's return, adding that the 26-year-old center broke a bone in his ankle.
Pouncey, who is considered as one of the best centers in the NFL, injured the ankle when Packers safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix rolled over his leg in the first quarter of their game last Sunday, according to ESPN.
ESPN added that the four-time Pro Bowler was examined on the sideline and was carted off the field to the locker room to have X-rays.
Pouncey started in 16 games for the Steelers last season after missing 15 games in 2013 due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
In Pouncey's absence during the 2013 season, center Cody Wallace took his role and he will likely be replacing him again in the 2015 season until he returns.
According to ESPN, Wallace has played in 24 games (six starts) for Pittsburgh since 2013.
"That's what I'm here for. That's my job. They brought me in here to be the backup interior guy, and I embrace that role," Wallace said, according to ESPN.
He added, "If it comes to having to step up for a period of time, I'd be happy to do that. I just try to be as physical as I can."
Along with Pouncey, starting defensive end Stephon Tuitt also got hurt and left their preseason game against the Packers with a left ankle injury, although it was only minor, according to reports.
