High ankle sprains won`t keep quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and center Maurkice Pouncey from playing next Monday night when the Steelers visit San Francisco.
That is what Pouncey said following the Steelers` first practice since a 14-3 win over the Browns last Thursday night.
Both Roethlisberger and Pouncey got hurt in the game, and only Roethlisberger returned from his ankle injury.
"We`re both fine," Pouncey said. "We`ll be alright to go on Monday Night Football."
Roethlisberger, who has a walking boot on his left foot, was at Steelers` headquarters today but he did not attend practice. Pouncey had been in a walking boot, but he said today that his left ankle has progressed to the point that he doesn`t need the extra protection.
The same injury sidelined Pouncey for the Super Bowl last season, but he insisted today that he will play a week from now against the 49ers.
"It`s a lot better that I hurt it last year so now it can heal a lot quicker," said Pouncey, who didn`t practice today. "It`s not as swelled up and I can do a little bit something on it. It just needs the right rest and right rehab. I feel good."
The popular sentiment in the Steelers locker room is that Roethlisberger will feel well enough to play in San Francisco – or that he`ll at least play through the first ankle sprain of his career.
"Me knowing Ben he`ll be out there competing and fighting his tail off to be out there," wide receiver Hines Ward said.
"I`ve been here way too long to count out a center or count out a quarterback in this league," left tackle Max Starks said. "But (Roethlisberger is) a tough dude and a consummate competitor. That`s one of the thing that I`m always amazed by him. I`m glad he`s my teammate."
That is what Pouncey said following the Steelers` first practice since a 14-3 win over the Browns last Thursday night.
Both Roethlisberger and Pouncey got hurt in the game, and only Roethlisberger returned from his ankle injury.
"We`re both fine," Pouncey said. "We`ll be alright to go on Monday Night Football."
Roethlisberger, who has a walking boot on his left foot, was at Steelers` headquarters today but he did not attend practice. Pouncey had been in a walking boot, but he said today that his left ankle has progressed to the point that he doesn`t need the extra protection.
The same injury sidelined Pouncey for the Super Bowl last season, but he insisted today that he will play a week from now against the 49ers.
"It`s a lot better that I hurt it last year so now it can heal a lot quicker," said Pouncey, who didn`t practice today. "It`s not as swelled up and I can do a little bit something on it. It just needs the right rest and right rehab. I feel good."
The popular sentiment in the Steelers locker room is that Roethlisberger will feel well enough to play in San Francisco – or that he`ll at least play through the first ankle sprain of his career.
"Me knowing Ben he`ll be out there competing and fighting his tail off to be out there," wide receiver Hines Ward said.
"I`ve been here way too long to count out a center or count out a quarterback in this league," left tackle Max Starks said. "But (Roethlisberger is) a tough dude and a consummate competitor. That`s one of the thing that I`m always amazed by him. I`m glad he`s my teammate."
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