There's hope for Maurkice Pouncey to return to the Pittsburgh Steelers this year after all.

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said as much Tuesday when confirming Pouncey has not had a second surgery on his broken left fibula.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported last week Pouncey is probably done for the year after possible infection from the injury would require an additional procedure. Pouncey is on short-term injured reserve and can return after eight weeks.

Tomlin said he's encouraged about Pouncey's chances to return this year but hadn't been briefed by team doctors on the latest developments. The head coach did not elaborate further.

Pouncey is the franchise's first-round pick from 2010 who has made four Pro Bowls and is widely considered a top-100 NFL player. But reserve Cody Wallace has acquitted himself well in relief.