The 2012 campaign for the Pittsburgh Steelers has been anything but ideal. That news gets worse as it is “highly unlikely” Maurkice Pouncey will anchor the Steelers line against their AFC North foe the Cincinnati Bengals. Pouncey is the latest victim of the injury bug plaguing the Steelers when he went down in the first quarter of action against the Tennessee Titans on Thursday Night Football with an apparent MCL injury.
Marcus Gilbert, Pouncey’s teammate at Florida, was rolled up onto Pouncey. Ironically, Gilbert was also hurt just moments later and has been seen in practices with his right foot in a boot.
In a year that began with optimism, things have quickly taken a turn for the worst in Steelers Nation. Doug Legursky, the versatile lineman, has shown that he can slot-in for injured players capably and is expected to fill in for Pouncey. The rookie out of Ohio State, Mike Adams, will replace Gilbert if he is unable to go. Kelvin Beachum, another rookie lineman, will also be active for the Steelers on Sunday night.
With the uncertainty of having their two best lineman in the lineup, look for the Steelers to try and shore up their injuries by reaching out to free agent big men this week. If the injuries continue to pile up, an unheralded failure to make the playoffs might be on the horizon.
By Zach Younker
