Pouncey returns after 2-game suspension
PITTSBURGH — Maurkice Pouncey usually gets Wednesdays off. But the Steelers’ offensive captain was back in the pivot working with the rest of the starters yesterday at practice.
Of course, he wasn’t about to take this Wednesday off.
“I took the last two Wednesdays, Thursdays, AND Fridays off,” he said with a laugh. “I was streaking.”
Pouncey’s back after a two-week suspension for fighting Myles Garrett, following Garrett’s helmet assault on quarterback Mason Rudolph in Cleveland.
Pouncey marveled at the job the team did in winning both games without him, and, in particular, he was impressed with his replacement at center, B.J. Finney.
“Honestly, he made a lot of money for himself,” Pouncey said of Finney, who can become a free agent next March. “He went out there and played really well.”
That’s Pouncey.
And this is Pouncey: “Hell, they didn’t even need me,” he said.
But he’s back, and on the field the Steelers get their seven-time Pro Bowler back to captain the offense. More than that, they get their policeman back — and not in the sense of fighting for the honor of a teammate. There’s more to the man.
“Stability,” was how young offensive lineman Zach Banner put it. “Ramon Foster complements him, but he had to pretty much replace him for two weeks and it’s not his style. If Pounce wants to cuss somebody out, he will. I’m not saying that’s all Pouncey’s good for, but it’s the truth. He brings the balance back to the room that we’re used to.”
Pouncey the disciplinarian?
“It’s not military camp,” Banner said. “It’s just the stability part. When he was gone, we didn’t really need too much of that. But when you just know he’s in the room, it creates an atmosphere. You just know you’re going to get cussed out if you do stupid stuff, so it helps you stay focused.”
Banner had to pause to remember the last time Pouncey had to correct him.
“That’s a good thing,” Banner said.
So, the last correction worked that well?
“Yeah,” Banner said. “I lost 80 pounds.”
Reporters and probably fans wouldn’t know the militaristic side of Pouncey, who’s the energetic hub of the locker room and who rarely allows the smile to leave his face. And he’s particularly grateful to his team, and especially Steelers fans for how he was treated during his suspension.
“I’ve always gotten along well with the fans,” he said. “But, honestly, the love I’ve gotten for that has been awesome. I walked in the first watch the next day and literally there were 10 people all giving me a standing ovation. I just busted out laughing. These people are great.”
Pouncey worked out at Planet Fitness and L.A. Fitness, and said he was greeted by smiles and supportive fists as an indication they felt he did the right thing.
“A couple people were telling me how to do another kick, add another punch,” Pouncey said. “It was just fun to hear from all of the people.”
The fans appreciated the way Pouncey supported his bludgeoned quarterback. And, of course, so did his teammates, who wore “Free Pouncey” sweatshirts to Sunday’s game against the Browns.
After the Steelers won, Ramon Foster used his cell phone to call Pouncey, and via facetime Pouncey was brought into the post-game team huddle.
“Coach gave a really good speech, telling the guys about the schedule coming up,” Pouncey said. “And then he said, ‘Pounce, break the team down. We’re bringing you the game ball.'”
On three, Pouncey had the team say “Steelers,” and they were broken down.
He was broken up.
“I had goosebumps,” he said. “It was a cool moment.”
Kind of like practicing on a Wednesday. Veterans of Pouncey’s stature normally get that day off.
Not this time.
“It really helped,” Pouncey said of the rest. “I wasn’t injured. I was just sitting at the house working out and keeping the body fresh. Hell, I feel good.”
So do 52 others.
NOTES: JuJu Smith-Schuster (knee) began running, and helped the coaches work with the receivers during the individual period of practice, but missed the workout and probably won’t play this week. … James Conner (shoulder) practiced on a limited basis, but isn’t sure he’ll return this week. He has begun healing, though, as his shoulder was tested while he ran numerous sprints last week. Of course, the shoulder might not be ready for physical contact Sunday. Conner said he’s not rushing it this time. … WR Diontae Johnson (illness) was limited at practice. … Veterans Vance McDonald and Mark Barron sat out of the indoor practice.