The Steelers will move center Maurkice Pouncey to guard for their Week 13 game against the Baltimore Ravens if LG Willie Colon cannot play due to a knee injury.
Pouncey has only played center in his three-year career for the Steelers, and played center his entire collegiate career at the University of Florida.
Colon was a late scratch from the Steelers' lineup in Week 12 against Cleveland. He had been battling a knee injury all week, and when it swelled up Sunday in his pregame warm-ups, he was pulled from the starting lineup.
Veteran Doug Legursky made the start for Colon. He had a penalty and allowed a sack as the Steelers lost 20-14. Legursky would start at center - a position he seems better equipped to play.
Pouncey is the best athlete on the offensive line, and the move makes sense from that standpoint. His lack of reps could be a problem, but his strength and quickness could be an asset.
It's a logical response in a season decimated by injuries. The Steelers are already without starting right tackle Mike Adams (ankle) and placed former starting RT Marcus Gilbert on the IR this week with an ankle injury.
Rookie Kelvin Beachum will be the starting right tackle Sunday.