Phelan M. Ebenhack/Associated Press

Pittsburgh Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey injured his ankle in the first quarter of the team's preseason game against the Green Bay Packers on Aug. 21, and he underwent surgery on Aug. 24 to repair the damage.

The team placed Pouncey on injured reserve with a designation to return, which keeps him out until Week 9. On Aug. 27, Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported Pouncey is expected to return after the team's bye week in Week 11.

Continue for updates.

Pouncey Placed on IR With Designation to Return

Sunday, Sept. 6

The Steelers confirmed Pouncey's status, while Albert Breer noted the earliest Steelers fans will see him will be the Week 9 matchup against Oakland. Pouncey also won't be able to practice with the team until Week 7, per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.

Alex Marvez of Fox Sports noted that this particular area of the body seems to affect Pouncey more than most players at his position:

Two years ago, Pouncey appeared in just one game after tearing the ACL and MCL in his right knee. He did recover to play 16 games last season, marking the first time he has played every regular-season contest since 2010.

Pouncey, who was a first-round pick in 2010, is a vital part of Pittsburgh's offensive success. He's a two-time first-team All-Pro and is the glue of the Steelers offensive line, controlling the ball before it goes into quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's hands.

Cody Wallace replaced Pouncey after his injury, per Kaboly, and is currently listed as the starter on the team's depth chart.

Pouncey's absence is a major blow to an offense already missing Le'Veon Bell for the first two games and Martavis Bryant for the first four as they both serve suspensions for violating the league's substance-abuse policy.