Maurkice Pouncey Injury Update: Steelers Pro Bowl center will require surgery on ankle

When Maurkice Pouncey was injured in the first quarter of the Pittsburgh Steelers preseason game against the Green Bay Packers, the fan base held their breath and waited to hear what the prognosis was. As fans were hoping to hear a minor ankle sprain and the Pro Bowl center would be back in the lineup for Week 1, they got some bad news when Mike Tomlin addressed media following the game.

Tomlin just said Pouncey will need surgery on his ankle. He didn't have a prognosis as to when Pouncey might be able to return.

— Bob Labriola (@BobLabriola) August 23, 2015

Pouncey having surgery makes his availability for the game against the New England Patriots in question, and despite the team having faith in back up Cody Wallace, Pouncey is a huge part of what the Steelers do on offense.

Pouncey had leg in soft cast. Carted to car #Steelers

— Dale Lolley (@dlolleyor) August 23, 2015

Not all injury news was bad as defensive lineman Stephon Tuitt's ankle injury wasn't deemed as serious and should only miss a few weeks of action. The Steelers lack quality depth along the defensive line, and having Tuitt in the lineup when the games really matter will be extremely important for the team starting the 2015 regular season.

UPDATE: It is being reported Maurkice Pouncey suffered a broken bone in his ankle. Some are speculating the injury could have the center missing 8 weeks. Anyone missing that length of time could be placed on the PUP list, or IR with a designation to return. Stay tuned to BTSC as news unfolds on Pouncey's injury as well as all other news surrounding the Steelers.

I look for Pouncey to be placed on IR with designation to return with broken ankle. Would be about 10 week injury. #Steelers

— Dale Lolley (@dlolleyor) August 23, 2015