As a result of a broken fibula suffered in the 2015 preseason, Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey had to undergo seven surgical procedures on his left leg in order to fully heal for 2016.
Speaking to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Pouncey revealed that it took seven total medical procedures – including corrective surgeries and a skin graft – to fully rehab his left leg. Pouncey went down with a broken fibula against the Packers in last year’s preseason.
Pouncey originally expected to return to the Steelers lineup in mid-October, but when he began running and participating in workouts, it became evident that his leg hadn’t fully healed. Following another examination, it was determined that Pouncey needed more operations.
Steelers doctors performed Pouncey’s initial surgery, and he made visits to foot and ankle specialist Dr. Robert Anderson in Charlotte, North Carolina afterward. Per Fowler, Pouncey dealt with a staph infection and E. Coli infection on top of his fibula rehab.
“We had to figure out the best plan possible to get it right … I respect organization for everything they did to get me through this,” Pouncey said.
Pouncey, a four-time Pro Bowler, ended up missing every game of the 2015 season. Cody Wallace took the reins at center and did an admirable job throughout the year.
The Steelers lost Pouncey for the entire regular season in 2013 due to a torn ACL and MCL. Pouncey was injured in the season opener against the Titans after David DeCastro fell into the back of his leg.
In 2014, Pouncey and the Steelers agreed to a 5-year, $44 million dollar contract. He is set to earn $11 million in 2016 with a dead cap hit totaling $15 million. Pouncey is under contract with the Steelers until 2019; he will become an unrestricted free agent in 2020.
When healthy, Pouncey is among the premier centers in the NFL. His close relationship with Ben Roethlisberger should not be forgotten, either.
Although the left tackle battle hasn’t been fully won yet, a possible week one Steelers offensive line will look like this: Alejandro Villanueva, Ramon Foster, Pouncey, DeCastro and Marcus Gilbert backed up by Wallace, Ryan Harris and Gerald Hawkins.
Mike Munchak ought to be pleased.