Steelers HC Mike Tomlin: ‘No bold announcements’ on rookie C Kendrick Green

When Ben Roethlisberger’s best friend and center Maurkice Pouncey suddenly retired in February, talent and experience along the Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line took a considerable hit.

Though the entire line needed finessing, the Steelers had to address the gaping hole in the middle — which they did with their third-round selection of Kendrick Green in the 2021 NFL draft.

But that wasn’t until after Pittsburgh signed veteran J.C. Hassenauer to a one-year deal in March. Hassenauer started four games last season when Pouncey injured his foot.

When asked by WDVE’s Mike Prisuta whether Kendrick Green is “the guy” at center for Pittsburgh, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin replied, “You could surmise that, but there will be no bold announcements.”

For Tomlin, experience wins every time. This is why — though highly doubtful — we could see Kevin Dotson in a reserve role to start the season. This is also why we could see Hassenauer starting over Kendrick Green in September.

None of this is what Steelers Nation wants to see. But it’s not up to us, is it?