Pouncey avoids major injury in Steelers camp

Though NFL mini camps are non-contact, former Florida Gators center Maurkice Pouncey escaped serious injury Thursday after Pittsburgh Steelers guard Trai Essex accidentally stepped with his full weight on his big left toe.

“Oh, man, 330 pounds on a toe!” Pouncey exclaimed well after being examined, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “I felt it a little bit at first, but I got back in there and couldn’t let the guys down.”

Reports on site had Pouncey letting out a big yell when his toe was initially stomped on, but trainers rushed to the aid of the No. 18 overall selection in the 2010 NFL Draft, wiggling his toe and making sure it was not extensively damaged.

Though, as OGGOA has reported on numerous occasions, Pouncey is expected to play guard this season for the Steelers, he was actually practicing at center when the injury occurred. Essex, ironically, is one of his chief competitors for the starting right guard job.

“We’ve been working him at center and guard,” Pittsburgh offensive line coach Sean Kugler said. “He’s been taking reps at two different groups. Today, he worked mainly at center. That will be the plan with Maurkice, continue to work him at guard and center. He’s a player we feel can play both.”

Photo Credit: Peter Diana/Pittsburgh Post-Gazette