Associated Press PITTSBURGH — A sprained left ankle won’t keep Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger out of Sunday’s AFC wild card game in Denver, but one could sideline starting center Maurkice Pouncey. ADVERTISING Pouncey was listed as questionable on the Steelers’
Associated Press
PITTSBURGH — A sprained left ankle won’t keep Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger out of Sunday’s AFC wild card game in Denver, but one could sideline starting center Maurkice Pouncey.
Pouncey was listed as questionable on the Steelers’ injury report and was unlikely to play after missing practice Thursday and Friday because of increased soreness in his left ankle. The Pro Bowl center played in the regular season finale against Cleveland last week after missing two games but complained of problems with the ankle following Wednesday’s practice.
Doug Legursky likely will start in Pouncey’s place as he did in last year’s Super Bowl when Pouncey was sidelined with an injury to the same ankle.
Roethlisberger practiced Friday and was listed as probable despite a high ankle sprain that’s bothered him for the last month. He originally hurt the ankle Dec. 8 in a win over Cleveland then missed a start against St. Louis on Christmas Eve. He started against the Browns last Sunday and acknowledged the ankle suffered a “setback” sometime in the second half.
Oregon’s James enters draft
EUGENE, Ore — Oregon running back LaMichael James is skipping his senior year and declaring himself eligible for the NFL draft. James, a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2010, said Friday he has not hired an agent.
A 5-foot-9, 195-pound All-American, James rushed for a school-record 1,805 yards this season despite missing two games with a dislocated right elbow. He led the nation with an average of 150.4 yards rushing per game.
BOSTON COLLEGE: Linebacker Luke Kuechly, a two-time All-America selection who led the nation in tackles in 2011, has decided to enter the NFL draft.
Johnson, Allen lead voting
Lions receiver Calvin Johnson and Vikings defensive end Jared Allen were the leading vote getters for The Associated Press 2011 NFL All-Pro Team, each falling one vote short of being unanimous choices.
Aaron Rodgers was the quarterback for the first time, easily beating New Orleans’ Drew Brees, 471/2 to 21/2.
