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Last week reports began circulating of Pittsburgh Steelers All Pro center Maurkice Pouncey possibly being done for the year with the need for another surgical operation on his injured ankle. The "setback" the report stated was an infection to the wound from surgery after he broke his ankle in team's third preseason game against the Green Bay Packers.
Mike Tomlin addressed questions regarding Pouncey, and his potential return, at his weekly press conference Tuesday, and some of the information was the complete opposite of what was reported just days ago.
Tomlin said Maurkice Pouncey DID NOT have another surgery on ankle
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly_Trib) October 20, 2015
According to Tomlin, Pouncey did not have another surgery on his ankle. Pouncey did go see an ankle specialist out of town last week, most likely for a second opinion, but the fact he hasn't had another surgery is a positive step for a return to action for the Pro Bowl center.
Tomlin confidence Pouncey will be able to come back this season. Said Pouncey has not had a second surgery #Steelers
— Dale Lolley (@dlolleyor) October 20, 2015
Although Tomlin did say he has not checked on the official status of Pouncey's ankle, he claimed he was "confident" Pouncey would be able to come back and play at some point in 2015.
Cody Wallace has filled in admirably for Pouncey this year, but there are few centers in the NFL today who can do everything Pouncey can from this position. Pouncey's ability to pull and pave the way for Le'Veon Bell and DeAngelo Williams, uncanny recognition of opposing defenses, cohesion with Ben Roethlisberger and his ability to set the pocket which Roethlisberger can step into is almost unparalleled.
The news of Pouncey not having a second surgery, as well as a potential return at some point in 2015, are both positive signs for an offensive line who has missed their captain and leader throughout the early portion of the regular season.