Packers tackle Chad Clifton is on the Powerlifting All NFL Strength team.

LAS COLINAS – The Pittsburgh Steelers and Green Bay Packers have both suffered their fair share of injuries throughout the season.

The Packers this season have had no less than 15 players from their roster end up on injured reserve. The Steelers offensive line has been banged up and the unit had to deal with losing the services of Pro Bowl quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who was suspended for four games for disciplinary reasons.

The latest injury issue is with Steelers center Maukice Pouncey,  the rookie center who made the Pro Bow this season.

Pouncey suffered a high ankle sprain in the Steelers AFC title win over the Jets, the 6-foot-4, 305-pounder has been rehabbing aggressively but as of Thursday, has not practiced.

The Packers though are not going to change their plans defensively; at least that’s the case with defensive tackle B.J. Raji.

“Me, personally, I’m just going to play football,” said Raji, who turned heads with his touchdown and victory dance in the NFC title victory over the Chicago Bears. “I don”t know what (defensive coordinator) Dom (Capers) has planned, we haven’t talked about it. But me personally if Pouncey were to play or not play…I can’t control that. I can only worry about us. We’ll see on game day.”

When pressed, Raji said he would rather see Pouncey on other side of the line, rather than his backup – Doug Legursky – who has been getting all the snaps in practice.

“I’d rather have Pouncey play,” Raji said. “He’s a Pro Bowl player. I feel like, in order to be the best you have to beat the best. So I want the Steelers firing on all cylinders so to speak.”

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Packers defensive line coach Mike Trgovac – a former Eagles defensive coach – admitted he was a bit surprised that his friend Eagles offensive line coach Juan Castillo was named the defensive coordinator.

Trgovac said he and Castillo go way back.

“Juan and I were hired on (former Eagles head coach) Ray Rhoades original staff  in ’95,” Trgovac said. “Juan was our quality control coach our first couple of years. He then moved to tight ends the next two years then offensive line. I was the defensive line coach so we worked exclusively together. So I know Juan very well.

“I guess you can say surprised yes, because you don’t see that happen very often,” Trgovac said.” But if anybody can do it Juan can do it. Juan is a very smart guy. He’s as hard a worker as I’ve ever seen. His challenge will be the schemes and what you do on defense is important, but what you do on game day deal of pulling the trigger at the right time on the right call…that’s where he’ll get better with experience.”

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The upcoming NFL All-Strength team will included a few Super Bowl participants including Packers Pro Bowl tackle Chad Clifton.

His strength coach Mark Lovat said his veteran lineman is a workout fiend but his size and strength is a gift.

“He’s just freak of nature,” said Lovat of his 6-5, 320-pound lineman.       

The full team will be announced in the April issue of Powerlifting USA magazine.