BY MARK CURNUTTE | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER
David Pollack will be placed on the injured reserve list, which ends his season as a player, after breaking his neck during the Bengals game Sunday.
The second-year linebacker suffered a severe neck trauma when he hit Browns running back Reuben Droughns in the shoulder pad with the top of his helmet early in the first quarter.
Center Rich Braham (deep left knee bruise) and strong safety Dexter Jackson (right ankle sprain) will miss the game Sunday at Pittsburgh but are likely to return later in the season.
Until then, second-year lineman Eric Ghiaciuc will start at center. And Kevin Kaesviharn will join Madieu Williams as the Bengals safeties.
The Steelers will play at Jacksonville tonight.
Pollack spent the night at University Hospital.
Earlier today, Pollack’s wife, Lindsey Pollack, posted an e-mail on Cincinnati.Com’s Bengals blog.
She writes:
“I first want to thank everyone for all of your thoughts and prayers for Davey. It means so much to both of us to know that you are thinking of him.
“I know you are all probably hearing all sorts of things. We have been overwhelmed with phone calls, text messages and e-mails, so I apologize for not getting back to some of you sooner. I just wanted to give everyone a brief update before I head back to the hospital.
“Davey did break his neck. I hate how that sounds, though. He fractured his C-6, for those of you who know what that is, but he is so blessed to have feeling everywhere! The doctors have put him in a Halo brace to stabilize him. He is able to move from the chest down, so he can sit up (and) eat, walk, etc. Right now we are just in a waiting period.
“We won't know for a little bit whether surgery has to be an option or not. We are hopeful that he won't have to have surgery and that he will be able to wear the brace and the bone repair itself. We just have to wait and see how his neck responds to the Halo for the next week or so.
“I wish I had more to tell, but that is where we are now. We are hoping he can come home in the next couple of days.
“On a lighter note... Davey is in wonderful spirits! He is joking with all the nurses and keeping everyone laughing still. He has a wonderful perspective on things and he has just been solid! He amazes me more each and every day! Please continue to say your prayers please!
“He will be at University Hospital at least until tonight. I will be there all day, so I won't be able to respond to emails. I will continue to keep you updated as I am able! We love you all so much and are so blessed to have your friendship and support!
“We both know that God's hand is in this and He has a great plan than either of us know. We are both leaning on Him right now to guide us through this time and our decisions. He has blessed us with each and every one of you in our lives and for that we are grateful. Love, Lindsey”
Enquirer.com will update this story after coach Marvin Lewis holds a 3 p.m. new s conference.