The Pittsburgh Steelers activated veteran center Maurkice Pouncey from the NFL’s reserve/covid-19 list Friday, clearing the way for the eight-time Pro Bowler to play during Sunday night’s showdown of AFC division leaders at the Buffalo Bills.

Pouncey was placed on the covid list Dec. 2, the day the Steelers played their thrice-delayed game against the Baltimore Ravens. Pouncey also missed Monday’s game against Washington.

J.C. Hassenauer made his first two NFL starts in Pouncey’s place. Hassenauer on Monday was penalized twice, was charged with a fumble for delivering a shotgun snap Ben Roethlisberger did not handle and was part of an offensive line on a day that the Steelers managed just 22 rushing yards.

Pouncey and running back James Conner are starters who missed games but were activated off the covid list this week. But starting inside linebacker Vince Williams was added to the list Thursday.

Hey, Steelers Nation, get the latest news about the Pittsburgh Steelers here.

Copyright ©2025— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)