Center Maurkice Pouncey and defensive end Aaron Smith have officially been ruled out for Super Bowl XLV. Both starters had hoped to recover from injuries in time for kickoff Sunday night. Here is more from the AP and espn.com.

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Pittsburgh Steelers center, Maurkice Pouncey, has a high left ankle sprain that has kept him out of practice since he was injured nearly two weeks ago in the AFC championship game. Now, the rookie Pro Bowl selection will miss the big game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday."He's out," Steelers coach Mike Tomlin told a pool reporter Friday after the team completed its final full practice indoors at TCU.

Backup Doug Legursky will play in his place in what will be his first NFL start as a center. Signed as an undrafted free agent out of Marshall in 2008, Legursky started four games at guard earlier this season.

Defensive end Aaron Smith also is out. He's been sidelined since Oct. 24 with a torn triceps muscle and has been limited in practice.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs/2010/news/story?id=6090999

The Steelers have adjusted to Smith's absence. Had he been able to play, it would have been a bonus. The injury of Pouncey will effect Pittsburgh much more. The rookie was the best player on a subpar offensive line. His replacement has never started at center, and now must start in the Super Bowl.

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