Steelers center Pouncey out of Super Bowl
DALLAS - Earlier this week, Maurkice Pouncey gave himself a 75-percent chance of playing in the Super Bowl. The 25 percent won.
The Steelers' rookie Pro Bowl center was ruled out by coach Mike Tomlin after he was unable to practice Friday because of a high left ankle sprain. Tomlin had hoped Pouncey could work Friday, but he said earlier in the day that if he could not, he would not play. Doug Legursky will make his first career start at center against the Packers in the Super Bowl on Sunday.
Pouncey injured his ankle against the Jets in the AFC Championship Game and was replaced by Legursky but appeared to be progressing this week. On Monday, he had to be carted from the team plane to the bus. On Tuesday, he was wearing a walking boot. By Thursday, he was in sneakers and walking with only a slight limp.
Packers coach Mike McCarthy said his team is not concerned about who will be snapping the ball for the Steelers. "We're preparing for their offense," McCarthy said. "I don't think their protection schemes or offense will change depending on who plays center."
Driver seated
Packers receiver Donald Driver was limited in Thursday's practice with a quadriceps injury and did not practice Friday, but McCarthy said he "would be shocked if Donald Driver does not play Sunday."
Driver, in his 12th season, is the longest-tenured Packers player, but this is his first Super Bowl.
Super shuffles
After not hearing from his father for more than a month, Packers DE Cullen Jenkins said he was in contact with him Thursday. Cullen's brother, Jets nose tackle Kris Jenkins, told The Associated Press that his father had contacted Cullen after seeing reports wondering if he was OK . . . McCarthy said he will have a guest speaker address the team Saturday night but would not say who. Brett Favre, maybe?
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