Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has praised the hard work and dedication shown by Maurkice Pouncey in his recovery from injury.

Pouncey saw his 2013 campaign ended as soon as it had begun last year, tearing multiple ligaments in his knee during week one to rule himself out for the remainder of the season.

However, the three-time Pro Bowler was back in action during the first day of organised team activities today, and Roethlisberger believes that he would have been fit enough to return even earlier had he been allowed.

"It's just good to see him out there because he's a football player and he loves the game. It's fun to see him back in the pads," Roethlisberger told reporters.

"I thought he could have played at the end of last year. That's how hard he worked and the dedication and the time he put into it. That's the type of competitor and athlete that he is."

The Steelers finished with an 8-8 record for the second season in a row last year.