The Sports Xchange

Pittsburgh Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey, who fractured his left fibula in Sunday’s preseason game, appears likely to miss the first 10 games of the season.

Head coach Mike Tomlin said Pouncey may be able to return this season.

“He’s got a chance,” Tomlin said Thursday. “We’ll have more information as the initial recovery from the surgery subsides.”

Pouncey underwent surgery Monday after suffering the injury near his ankle against the Green Bay Packers. He had his leg rolled up on in the first quarter while he was blocking in front of running back Le’Veon Bell. A cart was brought the sideline to take Pouncey to the locker room.

The team has not made the designation official but he is expected to be placed on the injured reserve/designated to return list to start the season.

The designation will keep Pouncey out a minimum of the first eight weeks, but more than likely he will return some time after the Nov. 22 bye, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported.

Pittsburgh’s bye is Week 11, which would mean the All-Pro center would miss 10 games and then possibly be ready on Nov. 29 at Seattle against the Seahawks.