No Decisions Yet On Steelers' Pouncey, Smith
DALLAS, Texas (KDKA/AP) - Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey still expects to play on Sunday despite sitting out practice on Wednesday.
Pouncey arrived in Dallas wearing a cast and using crutches from the high ankle sprain he suffered in the AFC Championship game against the Jets.
On Tuesday, he was out of the cast and walking in a protective boot.
Pouncey said he hopes to practice on Friday and continues to give himself a 75 percent chance to play.
Coach Mike Tomlin continues to wait until the last possible moment to make a decision on Pouncey.
"He's a center who's got a high ankle sprain," Tomlin said. "If he played a skill position, we wouldn't be having this conversation. But he's an interior lineman. Whether he practices depends on how he responds to treatment."
The FAN's Jim Colony's spoke with Pouncey after practice on Wednesday. Pouncey said he was on the bike during practice and if he gets range of motion back in his ankle he'll "be pretty good."
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The Steelers aren't as optimistic about defensive end Aaron Smith.
Smith dressed for practice on Wednesday but was still limited by a torn triceps. The injury has kept him out since late October.
When asked if he thought Smith could play Sunday, Tomlin said, "I do, but it's fading."
Colony caught up with Smith about the progress of his rehab. As far as playing on Sunday, Smith said "we'll see."
The 34-year-old talked about how his role has changed this season from player to mentor during his injury. He is happy to see the progress of Ziggy Hood and other rookies on the team.
If Smith doesn't play on Sunday, he told Colony that he "plans on playing football" next season and has "no intentions on being done."
