The rivalry between the Pittsburg Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens was alive and well on Sunday as the Ravens looked to stop their four-game skid and share the highly coveted top dog spot in the AFC East with the Steelers. The Ravens’ defense completely dominated the Steelers despite “Big Ben” returning from knee surgery—having one of the most feared offensive threesomes. In fact, the Ravens defense was so overpowering that the Steelers had more yards in penalties (84) than they had in offense (66) for the first half.

The Steelers were certainly struggling, and with the news that center Maurkice Pouncey would be unable to return to the game only compounded the frustration. Pouncey suffered a dislocated thumb on his snapping hand. He tried to return, but in the end, he was only able to contribute 19 snaps to Roethlisberger before being ruled out of the game.

Dr. James Monica, our orthopaedic surgeon, and hand and upper extremity specialist, discusses the dislocated thumb, the surgery that Pouncey underwent for repair and the possibly of his return to the field this Sunday against the Cowboys.

We have partnered with WFAN 660 AM/101.9 FM to bring you the weekly Football Injury Update, a recap of the top injuries across the NFL with our doctors providing their expert medical opinion on the injury, treatment options and prognosis to return to the field of play. The Football Injury Update will air each Thursday and Friday on Mike Francesa’s show between 1:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.