Maurkice Pouncey again sits out Steelers practice because of ankle injury

With one practice to go before the Pittsburgh Steelers’ home opener, Maurkice Pouncey has yet to step on the field at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex this week.

The former All Pro center sat out Thursday’s practice, just as he did the day before after he had left Sunday night’s game at New England during the fourth quarter because of an ankle injury.

Pouncey has not missed a game because of injury since sitting out the entire 2015 season. If he cannot play Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks, veteran B.J. Finney would start in his place.

At least B.J. Finney can laugh now about that botched snap that made him an instant social-media sensation, a moment of levity in the lopsided 33-3 loss to the Patriots on Sunday. #Steelers@KGorman_Tribhttps://t.co/jzIyQkofN6

— Tribune-ReviewSports (@TribSports) September 12, 2019

Finney said he’s approaching this week as “business as usual.”

“Always. That’s got to be your mentality. Just like last week, you don’t know if you’re going to go in or not. It could be first quarter or it could be fourth quarter like it was or it could be not at all. But you better be prepared.”

As a 10-year veteran, Pouncey still very well could start even if he misses significant practice time. Pouncey would be on the short list of players that coach Mike Tomlin could make an exception for the unofficial rule that a player must practice Friday to play Sunday.

If Pouncey cannot play, undrafted rookie Fred Johnson would likely be active for a game for the first time in his career and would serve as the backup at both guard spots. Starting right tackle Matt Feiler would be the next man up at center.

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