Maurkice Pouncey removed from Reserve/COVID-19 List prior to Bills game

There hadn’t been much positive news stemming from the Pittsburgh Steelers the past few days. Not only is the team coming off their first loss of the season, a 23-17 defeat at the hands of the Washington Football Team in Week 13, but they are dealing with a rash of injuries on their defense.

Throw Vince Williams being added to the COVID/Reserve List and you have yourself a full blown crisis at the inside linebacker position heading into the Sunday Night Football game with the Buffalo Bills.

But the Steelers have also gotten some good news this week. First, James Conner was taken off the COVID-19/Reserve List after missing the past two games, and now Maurkice Pouncey has also been removed, making him available for Sunday.

Pouncey, who was placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 List on the Wednesday the Steelers played the Baltimore Ravens in Week 12, will take back his spot as the team’s starter after J.C. Hassenauer held down the fort in his stead.

While Hassenauer filled in admirably, the Steelers getting Pouncey back cannot be understated. In fact, it is huge. Not only does Pouncey bring an experience few have along the offensive line, but his above the neck game in pass protection and in blocking schemes could be just what the Steelers struggling offense need.

With Pouncey in the lineup the Steelers have scored at least 24 points in every game. In the two games without him the Steelers failed to put up 20. Some may view it as a coincidence, but the numbers don’t lie.

The Steelers now turn their attention to the Bills on Sunday night with a full offensive roster after getting Conner and Pouncey back. They’ll need all hands on deck to right the ship and get back in the win column in Week 14.

Be sure to stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the black and gold as they prepare for Week 14 in the 2020 regular season.