Sunday, a number of Steelers wore "Free Pouncey" shirts to the team's 20-13 win over the Browns.
Monday, the Steelers activated All-Pro center Maurkice Pouncey from his suspension and he was placed on the Exempt/Commissioner Permission List.
Pouncey served a two-game suspension for his involvement in the brawl that took place three weeks ago when the Steelers lost to the Browns, 21-7, in Cleveland.
Pouncey was given a three-game suspension, later reduced to two upon appeal, for punching and kicking Browns defensive end Myles Garrett after Garrett hit quarterback Mason Rudolph over the head with his own helmet after ripping it off him with eight seconds remaining in that game.
With Pouncey out, the Steelers started B.J. Finney at center, winning both games. The Steelers are now 11-1 in games started by Finney in his career.
But Pouncey's return will be a welcome addition to the Steelers' lineup. Pittsburgh (7-5) travels to Arizona to face the Cardinals (3-8-1) in a game it needs to win to guarantee it remains in the last AFC playoff position.
"That's my brother from a different mother," said guard Ramon Foster, who made the "Free Pouncey" shirts for his teammates.
The exemption expires Wednesday at 4 p.m., when third-string center Patrick Morris is expected to be released and placed back on the practice squad.
