Despite the way they are being listed on official injury reports, rookie center Maurkice Pouncey and defensive end Aaron Smith will not play in Super Bowl XLV against the Green Bay Packers, sources have told the Post-Gazette.
The Post-Gazette reported last week that Pouncey has a broken bone in his left ankle to go with the high-ankle sprain he sustained on the opening series of the AFC Championship game and was not expected to play against the Packers.
Despite that, the Steelers on Friday listed Pouncey as questionable on their injury report, a designation that means he has a 50-50 chance of playing against the Packers. Coach Mike Tomlin did not acknowledge the broken bone when asked about it today at the team's first press conference for Super Bowl XLV.
Nonetheless, shortly after the team arrived at their hotel, sources confirmed to the Post-Gazette that Pouncey will not play in the game.
And neither will Smith, who has not played since Week 6 after tearing the triceps tendon in his arm. The Steelers have kept a roster spot open for Smith, but he has not practiced since the injury and will not play against the Packers. But, like Pouncey, the Steelers are listing him as questionable on their injury report.
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