It's official. Pittsburgh Steelers C Maurkice Pouncey isn't playing in the 2011 Super Bowl against the Green Bay Packers. Mike Tomlin broke the news to ESPN's Suzy Kolber on Friday.
The latest news on Pouncey was that he would try to test his injured ankle at Friday's practice. He said if he could practice by that point, he would have a chance of playing. In fact, he put the odds of him playing at 75 percent earlier this week.
Tomlin confirmed he did not practice on Friday and has now been ruled out.
Pouncey originally injured the ankle in the AFC Championship game against the New York Jets. It's been called a high ankle sprain which can keep players out several weeks but because he plays along the offensive line, and not a skill position, the Steelers were holding out hope he could play.
This means that Doug Legursky will be taking Pouncey's place. However you look at it, this is a blow for the Steelers. Pouncey was one of the best rookies in the NFL this year and his absence has the potential to be a dangerous situation for Pittsburgh.
Check out Behind The Steel Curtain for more on Pouncey's injury.