The preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Green Bay Packers was a costly one for both teams. The Steelers won by a score of 24-19, but they lost their Pro Bowl center, Maurkice Pouncey. The Packers, meanwhile, have lost Pro Bowl wide receiver Jordy Nelson.
Pouncey anchors the Steelers’ offensive line. Even though the Steelers are more of a passing team than the brute force running team that they were in the past, Pouncey’s leadership will be missed. He has made the Pro Bowl four times since joining the Steelers in 2010. The only season that he did not make the Pro Bowl was 2013, when he blew out his knee on the 8th play of the season. He came back last season and earned his second All-Pro selection and fourth Pro Bowl appearance.
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Pouncey was injured in the first quarter against the Packers when Ha Ha Clinton-Dix rolled up on his leg. Pouncey limped off the field and was then taken to the locker room on a cart. X-rays revealed a broken bone in his ankle which will probably require surgery. Pouncey will most likely be out for at least eight weeks.
Nelson has become one of the NFL’s premier receivers. He has gained more than 1,200 yards receiving three times in his seven year NFL career. He has been Aaron Rodgers’ favorite receiver over the past four years. According to Pro Football Focus, Rodgers’ passer rating when throwing to Nelson from 2011-2014 has been 150.2, 130.3, 111.6, and 128.2. Nelson is coming off of a Pro Bowl season in which he had 98 receptions for 1519 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Nelson’s injury occurred on the Packers’ first drive. On second and two from the Steelers’ 25 yard line, Nelson caught a pass at the 18 and went down when he tried to spin. He limped off the field and did not come back into the game. Initial reports point to a torn ACL, which would mean that Nelson will miss the entire season. The Packers are waiting for an MRI to confirm the diagnosis.
The Steelers had more points on Sunday, but both teams lost in this preseason game.
