Peter King of Sports Illustrated is the pool reporter for Super Bowl XLV, giving him sole access to Steelers practices. King files a routine pool report after each practice, and posted more nuggets on Twitter after watching the AFC’s Super Bowl representative get after it Thursday.
According to King, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was “scalding hot” and “looked terrific” in Thursday’s drills. Specifically, Big Ben threw four straight touchdown passes in the red zone.
As suspected, coach Mike Tomlin is right in that he has nothing to worry about after Roethlisberger’s night on the town.
King also was impressed with backup center Doug Legursky’s “pulling ability and hustle.” Legursky is a former undrafted free agent, so hustle should come naturally. The ability to move quickly out of a center’s stance could be another plus. Legursky played tackle in college.
He may have to start at center on Sunday, because “it’s not looking good” for injured starter Maurkice Pouncey.
King also “doubt(s) sincerely” that Steelers defensive end Aaron Smith (triceps) will play in the Super Bowl, despite going through another limited practice.