Center Maurkice Pouncey said that he will play against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night and he also expects quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to be out there with him.
Pouncey and Roethlisberger both suffered high ankle sprains in the Browns game on Thursday night, with Roethlisberger returning to action after halftime.
"I am fine. Were both fine," said Pouncey after practice on Monday. "Well be alright to go on Monday Night Football. We are both fine. We are going day-by-day and taking precautions. We will be fine."
Pouncey said he has been resting the ankle since the game and it has definitely improved.
"It's a lot better than Thursday," said Pouncey, who wore a boot the first few days. "It isn't as swelled up. It just needs the right rest and rehab. I am fine. I am just going day-to-day and resting it."
Pouncey suffered the same injury late last season and missed Super Bowl XLV. He insists this time the injury isn't as bad and it won't sideline him.
"I am going to play, play, play," said Pouncey. "It`s a lot better that I hurt it last year so now it can heal a lot quicker. After it breaks up the calcium that is in there helps it heal better after you tweak it the first time.
"I am playing, I will be fine."
Roethlisberger did not address his injury on Monday, but other teammates also think he will play.
"I never doubt that," said tackle Max Starks. "I think as we go through the week we will figure it out. He is a tough dude and it's a big time game. It wouldn't surprise me.
"You look at what he went through to get back to the game. You give him some time off and hopefully it might get a little bit better or get him some special shoe to wear. It's a possibility, but as with anything else we will prepare as if Charlie (Batch) is going to play. If (Ben) is allowed to play and he feels good enough, we are more than happy to have him."
