Pittsburgh Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey did not have a second surgery on his broken fibula, and head coach Mike Tomlin expects him to return this season, according to Mark Kaboly of Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
Reports came out last week indicating that Pouncey developed an infection and that he would need another surgery that would keep him out the rest of the season. Pouncey was placed on injured reserve designated to return back in early September, but it is unknown at this time when he will be ready to play again.
Steelers tackle Marcus Gilbert reportedly said that Pouncey was going to North Carolina for a second medical opinion, according to Kaboly. While there is no timetable on Pouncey's return, Tomlin said that he believes the center will return to the lineup this season.
Pouncey was originally expected to miss 10 games when placed on injured reserve, and center Cody Wallace has been filling the void without Pouncey. The Steelers have dealt with injuries all season, and now they are expected to start third-string quarterback Landry Jones against the Kansas City Chiefs this Sunday.
The team will continue to monitor quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who is dealing with an MCL injury, and Michael Vick seems unlikely to go this weekend with a hamstring injury, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.
The Steelers are off to a 4-2 start, but it will be interesting to see how much better they get when they are fully healthy. When Roethlisberger and Pouncey return, the Steelers offense could be a team to fear in the AFC.