No official decision has been made on the status of Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger for the team's Week 16 game against the St. Louis Rams. Head coach Mike Tomlin said that no decision on his quarterback's availability would be made until later in the week. However, Jason LaCanfora of the NFL Network reported on Wednesday that team officials expect Roethlisberger to sit out against the Rams.
Roethlisberger is dealing with a high ankle sprain he suffered in Week 14 against the Cleveland Browns. He played through the injury in Week 16 Monday Night Football game against the 49ers, but it was clear that the injury was causing significant problems. Roethlisberger threw three interceptions in that game, a 20-3 loss.
Pittsburgh and Baltimore are battling it out for the AFC North title. Both teams own a 10-4 record, but the Ravens have an advantage after beating Pittsburgh twice this season. A Steelers loss and a Baltimore win this would week would lock up the division for the Ravens.
Resting Big Ben might be a smarter move for the Steelers, keeping their quarterback fresh for the playoffs rather than put him at further risk against the Rams and the Browns.