PITTSBURGH (93-7 The FAN) — Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey left little doubt about his status and that of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger after Monday’s practice.

With uncertainty swirling around both players after suffering high-ankle sprains in a 14-3 win against Cleveland Thursday night, Pouncey adamantly declared himself and Roethlisberger good to go for this week’s Monday night game at San Francisco.

“I am fine. We’re both fine,” Pouncey said, according to the Steelers official website. “We’ll be alright to go on Monday Night Football. We are both fine. We are going day-by-day and taking precautions. We will be fine.”

Pouncey’s injury is the same one that kept him out of Super Bowl XLV last season. He was unable to return to the game after hurting his ankle Thursday night, but he said he’s been resting it ever since and there’s been considerable improvement.

Roethlisberger was able to return Thursday night and threw a 79-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Antonio Brown to ice the game. He did not speak to the media Monday, but Pouncey and others said they’re confident he’ll be under center Monday night.

“He is a tough dude and it’s a big time game,” tackle Max Starks said. “It wouldn’t surprise me.”

Backup quarterback Charlie Batch is expected to take extra snaps this week in case Roethlisberger can’t play.

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