Pouncey Off PUP; Rookie CB May Have Surgery

Good afternoon,

The Steelers are considering several options for rookie cornerback Senquez Golson, including having him undergo season-ending shoulder surgery. 

   In the meantime, All-Pro center Maurkice Pouncey came off the physically unable to perform list (PUP) and joined his teammates in practice this afternoon. He was dealing with what coach Mike Tomlin called a “very minor” foot injury. 

Golson has been on the PUP list since the start of training camp July 25. He went through spring practices with no apparent issues but later told team officials he thought he injured his shoulder during those practices.

His injury is part of the reason the Steelers traded for cornerback Brandon Boykin from the Philadelphia Eagles for a conditional fifth-round draft pick Saturday night. That pick reportedly could become a fourth-round pick if Boykin plays in 60 percent of the Steelers’ defensive snaps this season.

Although only 5-9 and listed at 176 pounds, Golson’s 10 interceptions last season for Ole Miss were second in the nation – only behind the Steelers’ seventh-round draft choice, Louisville safety Gerod Holliman, who had 14.

The Steelers will practice Boykin both inside in the slot, where he played for the Eagles, and on the outside, where he will have a chance to compete with Cortez Allen and William Gay to start. He also will see practice time returning punts, starting this afternoon in practice.