Pittsburgh Steelers: Maurkice Pouncey Has No Restrictions During OTAs
By Matt Shetler
One big positive for the Pittsburgh Steelers heading into the 2014 season is seeing Pro Bowl center Maurkice Pouncey completely healthy.
Sep 8, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey (53) blocks at the line of scrimmage against the Tennessee Titans during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
They got some good news on that front during Tuesday’s first days of OTAs.
Pouncey, who suffered a torn ACL in his right knee in the opener last year against Tennessee, lined up with the first-team offense today on the first day of voluntary organized team activities.
Even more importantly is that Pouncey had no restrictions with his knee as he took part in football activities for the first time since injuring the knee last September.
"“It was a big step,” Pouncey told the Post-Gazette’s Ray Fittipaldo.” For the coaches to see it, for my teammates to see it, for me, myself, to see it, it was pretty cool. It was pretty neat to go out there and drive-block guys and finish on some plays. It was pretty awesome.”"
Pouncey is entering the final year of his contract and missed all but eight snaps last season. He is the only center in NFL history to make the Pro Bowl after his first three seasons.
In other Steelers’ OTA news, second-year wide receiver Markus Wheaton lined up with the first team offense, while 2014 first-round pick Ryan Shazier lined up with the first-team defense at inside linebacker.
Two Steelers starters – Ike Taylor and Troy Polamalu – did not show up to take part in the voluntary workouts.