National Football League

Steelers Pouncey hurt on first play

Published Oct. 11, 2012 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Pittsburgh center Maurkice Pouncey injured his right leg on the Steelers' first offensive play from scrimmage in their 26-23 loss to the Tennessee Titans on Thursday night, knocking him out of the game.

Pouncey was blocking when it appeared that right tackle Marcus Gilbert rolled up on his leg. Pouncey sat on the ground before going to the sideline. He was replaced by Doug Legursky. His return originally was called questionable before the Steelers decided he wouldn't return.

The Steelers wound up kicking a field goal on their opening drive to tie Tennessee at 3.

Legursky came out at center for the Steelers' second drive of the game as well.

The Steelers' offensive line took another hit when right tackle Marcus Gilbert hurt his right ankle blocking Derrick Morgan in the second quarter. He went down and was able to walk off. His return is probable. Rookie Mike Adams replaced Gilbert and gave up a sack later in the drive. Adams was at right tackle to start the third quarter.

That leaves the Steelers with no more offensive linemen available if someone else gets hurt. Kelvin Beachum was deactivated, and first-round pick David DeCastro is on the injured-reserve-return list as his surgically-repaired right knee heals.

Pittsburgh safety Will Allen suffered a stinger after hitting Titans receiver Kenny Britt and knocking the ball loose. Allen was slow to get up before walking off the field. He started in place of Troy Polamalu, who was inactive because of a strained right calf. He returned in the second quarter.

Steelers linebacker Chris Carter hurt his right hamstring in the first quarter, and his return also is questionable.

Tommie Campbell hurt his left ankle in the second quarter covering on a punt, and his return is doubtful.