Steelers Post-Practice Report: Latest injury buzz on Pouncey's availability being in question, Arians on Ben, redzone woes & more

By Dale Grdnic

PITTSBURGH -- While Ben Roethlisberger's left high-ankle sprain and possible setback in Cleveland has some concerned, the health of the Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback is the least of their issues this week.

Roethlisberger looked a little better in practice Thursday, according to Steelers offensive coordinator Bruce Arians, but after working out on a limited basis Wednesday center Maurkice Pouncey could not practice Thursday and is questionable to play against the Denver Broncos Sunday afternoon.

"I'm sore, and my ankle doesn't feel right,'' Pouncey said after practice. "I don't know how it's going to feel tomorrow, and I don't know if I'll play. I'm going to try to play, but we'll see.''

Pouncey became more agitated with each question about his left high-ankle sprain, which he apparently aggravated Wednesday after playing the entire game at Cleveland last Sunday. Doug Legursky would be the starting center if Pouncey can't play, and Chris Kemoeatu would play left offensive guard.

Arians answered affirmatively when asked if he was worried about Pouncey's playing status against the Broncos. He also confirmed that it happened sometime Wednesday early in practice.

"We'll see what happens with the response of his ankle (Friday),'' Arians said. "With these things, you never know. It could be weather-related. It could be anything. He didn't sting it in practice, but it just got sore. So, we'll see what happens tomorrow.''

Roethlisberger was listed as a full participant in practice Thursday, and Arians was fairly positive when discussing him.

"He was a little better,'' Arians said. "A little better. He got some of it, and he moved around OK. Not as good as he was, but he was OK.''

Arians added that while Roethlisberger aggravated the injury sometime during the third quarter at Cleveland, that didn't hamper his performance afterward.

"He was good in the fourth quarter,'' Arians said. "He moved around and made some great throws on those third downs, but adrenaline does a lot for you in a game that you don't have on Monday.

"When you wake up, the adrenaline is not there. So, I'm sure it happened during the game. He thought in the third quarter, but adrenaline can get you through ball games, especially tight ones like that.''