Ben Roethlisberger Expected To Start In Week 17

Ben Roethlisberger Expected To Start Week 17 Despite Injury

The Pittsburgh Steelers are playing the Cleveland Browns in Week 17 and they should have Ben Roethlisberger available. The Steelers QB missed Week 16 with a high ankle sprain but the Pittsburgh Post Gazette reports that he was a full participant in Friday's practice and is expected to start against Cleveland.

That's good news for the Steelers who still have something to play for. They've clinched a playoff spot but still have a shot at securing a division title, first round bye and even perhaps home field advantage throughout the playoffs.

If the Steelers beat the Browns, and the Cincinnati Bengals beat the Baltimore Ravens, the Steelers would win the AFC North and receive the No. 2 seed in the AFC playoffs. Without that No. 2 seed, they will be the fifth seed without a first round bye. The Steelers can even secure the No. 1 overall seed and home field advantage throughout the playoffs if they win and both the Ravens and New England Patriots lose.

So the Steelers have plenty to play for, which means Roethlisberger will be out there. Previous reports indicated that they may get him just 25-30 snaps so he's not rusty entering the playoffs.

If Roethlisberger can't go, or comes out, Charlie Batch would replace him.

Check out SB Nation's Behind The Steel Curtain for more on the Steelers.

Ben Roethlisberger Injury: Steelers Want QB To Play 25-30 Snaps

The Pittsburgh Steelers don't have a ton to play for in Week 17. Yes, they could still win the AFC North and secure the No. 2 seed in the AFC, but they will need the Baltimore Ravens to lose to the Cincinnati Bengals to facilitate that. And so the Steelers want to play Ben Roethlisberger for 25 to 30 snaps, instead of for a full game, against the Cleveland Browns.

Roethlisberger didn't play in Pittsburgh's Week 16 win over the St. Louis Rams, and has been nursing a sprained ankle for much of the last month. It seemed to bother him significantly in the Steelers' loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 15.

But Roethlisberger's services might not be needed for the Steelers to beat the Browns: Cleveland is likely to be without Colt McCoy, and has been struggling with their starter at the helm of late. For the Steelers, getting Roethlisberger some work and getting a win with Charlie Batch handling most of the snaps would be an ideal Week 17.

For more on the Steelers, head to Behind the Steel Curtain.

Ben Roethlisberger Injury Update: Steelers QB Out For Saturday's Game

The Pittsburgh Steelers will start Charlie Batch this Saturday as Ben Roethlisberger will rest his ankle for at least one week. Roethlisberger sat out practice on Wednesday and Thursday and the Steelers confirmed he will sit via a retweet of @SteelersDigest.

Roethlisberger suffered a high ankle sprain two weeks ago against the Cleveland Browns. He played on Monday Night Football against the San Francisco 49ers, but the Steelers quarterback was extremely limited in his movement and struggled in virtually ever facet of the game. If the Steelers lose this one and drop a game back of the Ravens, Roethlisberger could sit out until the first round of the playoffs.

Charlie Batch will make his first start of the season against a Rams defense that has been moderately solid against the pass. This creates a lot of question marks for the Steelers and also fantasy owners. It is tough to tell what kind of game plan the Steelers will implement with Batch getting the start. He has been taking most of the first team snaps the last two weeks and should have some manner of comfort with his receivers.

For more on the Steelers, check out Behind The Steel Curtain. For more on fantasy football, check out Fake Teams. Follow @sbnationfantasy on Twitter.

Ben Roethlisberger Injury: Steelers QB Wants To Play Week 16

The Pittsburgh Steelers dropped a 20-3 game to the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football and the concern following the game revolved around QB Ben Roethlisberger, who played in that game with an injured ankle. Roethlisberger was clearly hobbled throughout the game and a report later surfaced that he was likely to sit in Week 16 in order to rest his ankle.

That may ultimately be the case but Roethlisberger says no decisions have been made about his status, and he wants to play on Saturday.

"They always like to say things," Roethlisberger said in disagreeing with Jason La Canfora's report. "Unless Coach (Mike Tomlin) said something, I will wait to hear it from him."    

Roethlisberger's Steelers are tied with the Ravens in the AFC North so they stil have something to play for -- a division title. They missed a golden opportunity to take a one-game lead in the division last week when the Ravens lost to the Chargers but Pittsburgh couldn't topple Jim Harbaugh's 49ers.

So will Roethlisberger play? I don't think there's an answer to that right now. More than likely, this comes down to a game-time decision and in the past Roethilsberger seems to always end up playing in those situations.

Check out SB Nation's Behind The Steel Curtain where they're talking about how Pittsburgh can still finagle a first round bye, with or without Roethlisberger. 

Ben Roethlisberger Injury: Should Steelers QB Sit Next Two Weeks?

As Ben Roethlisberger hobbled around the field on Monday night, it was clear the injured Steelers quarterback was nowhere near 100 percent -- perhaps closer to 50 percent. Facing a stout San Francisco 49ers defense, Roethlisberger threw for over 300 yards, but failed to find the end zone while turning the ball over four times -- three interceptions and a fumble. With a 20-3 loss, Pittsburgh's hopes of winning the AFC North are all but out the window, leaving many to wonder if it's time to sit Roethlisberger for the rest of the season.

The Steelers are already hinting strongly that Roethlisberger may sit this weekend. Sports Illustrated's Chris Burke argues the Steelers need to sit their ailing quarterback -- at least in Week 16, if not the following week, as well -- to succeed in the playoffs.

With Roethlisberger unable to move around and keep a play alive with his feet, the passing game suffered. And with his ankle keeping him from working under center, the effects were also seen in the running game, Burke says.

That hampered the Steelers’ run game — Rashard Mendenhall rushed for just 64 yards, though San Francisco has shut down just about every running back its faced — and put a lot of pressure on Pittsburgh’s banged-up offensive line, which was missing center Maurkice Pouncey.

As Roethlisberger goes, so goes the offense. It may just be Charlie Batch time -- temporarily -- in Pittsburgh.

You can read the rest of Burke's thoughts on Roethlisberger's injury over at Sports Illustrated.

Ben Roethlisberger Injury: Steelers QB Expected To Sit In Week 16

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. 

Ben Roethlisberger Status Update: Steelers QB Active, Expected To Start Monday Night Football

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is active for Monday Night Football against the San Francisco 49ers. Ben's status was up in the air for much of the weekend, but Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin had said all week he was optimistic Roethlisberger would play with his ankle injury he suffered last week.

It took all the way until the last minute to decide if Roethlisberger would be active, and according to Dejan Kovacevic of the Tribune-Review, it looked rather iffy if Big Ben was going to play in the game.

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, still uncertain to play for the Steelers tonight, looked to be in significant discomfort during a five-minute warmup at Candlestick Park at 6:15 p.m.

The Steelers will carry three active quarterbacks for the game tonight, leaving the door open to pull Roethlisberger in favor of either back ups Charlie Batch or Dennis Dixon if Roethlisberger's ankle turns out to hinder him too much. The Steelers may have a short leash with Ben, as to not want to aggravate his ankle further with the playoffs just three weeks away.

For more on Roethlisberger and the Steelers, check out Behind the Steel Curtain.  For more on Monday Night Football, follow this StoryStream.

Ben Roethlisberger Injury: Status Of Steelers QB Still Unknown

The status of Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger is more of a question mark than previously thought. A report out of Pittsburgh over the weekend indicated that Roethlisberger was expected to start for the Steelers on Monday Night Football against the San Francisco 49ers.

But now ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting that his status is still unknown. Instead, he'll be a true game-time decision. The Steelers play the 49ers at 8:30 p.m. (ET). 

Roethisberger is dealing with an ankle injury suffered 11 days ago against the Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football. He's known as one of the toughest players that often plays through injury so many are assuming he'll be available, but that may not be the case.

Complicating matters is that the Ravens lost on Sunday night which means the Steelers have a chance to take a one-game lead in the AFC North if they can beat San Francisco. How that factors in the decision to play Roethlisberger or not is unknown.

So stay tuned for the latest on on Roethlisberger. If he's out, there are going to be some nervous fans at SB Nation's Behind The Steel Curtain. 

Ben Roethlisberger Status Update: Steelers QB Expected To Start MNF Versus 49ers

The Pittsburgh Steelers square off against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football in Week 15 and expect to have their injured quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger, in the lineup for the contest. Roethlisberger reportedly looked good enough in practice on Saturday for the Steelers to make the decision to start him Monday. The Steelers reportedly made the decision even before the Ravens lost on Sunday Night Football to the San Diego Chargers.

Roethlisberger suffered a high ankle sprain a week ago Thursday against the Cleveland Browns. He injured the ankle in the second quarter but made his way out in the third quarter, hobbling on what was diagnosed at the half as a high ankle sprain. He could barely move in the pocket, but he was able to get enough done to help guide the Steelers to victory.

Charlie Batch remains on the sideline as the backup QB. Dennis Dixon is the third string quarterback and while he normally is inactive, it would not be surprising to see Dixon activated on Monday Night Football. Roethlisberger is expected to play, but a bad hit could send him to the sidelines. Batch would come on, but the Steelers would likely want another quarterback available just in case.

For more on the Steelers, check out Behind The Steel Curtain. For more on fantasy football, check out Fake Teams. Follow @sbnationfantasy on Twitter.

Ben Roethlisberger Injury: Steelers QB Limited In Practice

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger returned to the practice field on Friday, according to Scott Brown at the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. His participation in practice increases his chances of playing on Monday night against the San Francisco 49ers. The Steelers have yet to make a decision regarding his status for Week 15. 

Roethlisberger is dealing with a high ankle sprain suffered in last Thursday's win over the Browns. He played through the injury last week, after missing some snaps in the second quarter, but was not able to practice this week.

The pain was reportedly severe enough on Thursday to cast doubts on his ability to play, and many, including Peter King, assumed earlier in the week that Roethlisberger would have to sit out this week. Playing through injuries has become something of a trademark for Roethlisberger, and the long week certainly works to his advantage. 

If Roethlisberger were unable to play, Charlie Batch would start in his place. 

For more on Roethlisberger and the Steelers, check out Behind the Steel Curtain. 

Ben Roethlisberger On Injury: 'I'm Going To Do Everything I Can To Be Out There'

Ben Roethlisberger had his ankle in a cast on Thursday, but the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback doesn't see that as a detriment to his ability to play in this week's Monday Night Football game. The injury might set him back a bit, but the veteran quarterback expects to start against the San Francisco 49ers.

Roethlisberger originally hurt his ankle in the first half of the Steelers game last week on Thursday Night Football. The quarterback played in the second half, albeit a bit limited, and expects to try it out after having a longer week than usual to recover according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

"I don't know if it's my decision. I'm going to do everything I can to be out there. It's probably more on them. So, if I'm not out there, it's probably because they didn't feel comfortable with me being out there, protecting myself or whatever it is," Roethlisberger said. "They know better than I do. I can just tell them whether I think I can go or not, and I think I can go all the time. I'm going to do everything I can to be out there for this team."

The Steelers are planning on starting Charlie Batch if Roethlisberger is unable to play, but it sounds as though the regular starter expects to be ready.

Ben Roethlisberger Injury Update: Big Ben's Status Raises Fantasy Implications

The Pittsburgh Steelers got back to practice on Thursday as they prepare for their Monday Night Football contest against the San Francisco 49ers. As expected, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger did not take part in practice as he continues to rehab the high ankle sprain he suffered on Thursday Night Football against the Cleveland Browns. Roethlisberger was diagnosed with a grade one high ankle sprain, which is the least severe type, but it still has kept him relatively incapacitated.

Roethlisberger's status for Monday Night Football remains a mystery and at this point, odds are high that he will be the dreaded "game-time decision." Even if he plays, it remains to be seen how effective he will be against the 49ers. He can connect on big plays in the pocket, but one bad hit could end his night and cost you a boatload of fantasy points. If you are unsure whether to start Roethlisberger, unless you have a QB on Thursday or Saturday, you can wait for the final injury report on Saturday. Nonetheless, odds are good you will want to bench him for Monday.

The bigger question is what to do with the rest of the Steelers given the chances of Charlie Batch starting. I think Roethlisberger ends up starting, but whatever the case, the Steelers skill players become a bit more questionable. You will still want to start Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown, but there will be some manner of trepidation for them. Brown has been on fire lately and you might just have to suck it up and hope for big things from Batch. It isn't exactly inspiring, but sometimes that happens in the fantasy world.

For more on the Steelers, check out Behind The Steel Curtain. For more on fantasy football, check out Fake Teams. Follow @sbnationfantasy on Twitter.

Ben Roethlisberger Injury: Steelers QB Doesn't Practice, Status Still Unclear

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has shed, temporarily at least, the walking boot that has been protecting his injured left ankle and was fitted with a special brace that will help him practice and possibly play next Monday night against the San Francisco 49ers, Mike Bires of the Times Online reports.

Roethlisberger sustained a grade one sprain of his left ankle during the second quarter of last Thursday night's 14-3 win over the Cleveland Browns. Roethlisberger played through the injury in the second half, completing 16-of-21 pass attempts for 280 yards with two touchdowns and an interception.

As was the case on Monday and Wednesday, Roethlisberger will not practice on Thursday. On Wednesday, head coach Mike Tomlin indicated that going through a full practice may not be necessary for Roethlisberger to play on Monday night.

"He can be ready to play on a limited number of snaps," Tomlin said according to the Associated Press. "At the end of the week, when we get into some situational football things, that's going to require some physical preparation in some form or fashion. But we're going to take it day by day. We're always going to be optimistic when it comes to Ben."

In the event Roethlisberger is unable to play, veteran Charlie Batch would start at quarterback for the Steelers.

For more on Roethlisberger's ankle and the Steelers, check out Behind the Steel Curtain.

Ben Roethlisberger Injury: Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin Calls QB Questionable For Week 15

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said today that quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is questionable for their Week 15 game against the San Francisco 49ers, according to Scott Brown of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Roethlisberger has a Grade 1 high ankle sprain, the least serious among the various degrees of the injury. Tomlin added that his quarterback will have to practice “in some form or fashion" this week in order to play this week.

Fortunately for the Steelers, they play on Monday Night Football. That gives Roethlisberger an extra day to rest the ankle sprain. High ankle sprains can be notoriously painful and limit a player’s mobility. However, Roethlisberger is notorious for playing through injuries, and he did return to finish the game against Cleveland last Sunday.

If Roethlisberger does play, the injury still might limit his effectiveness. He is also playing through a broken thumb.

A win this week would clinch a playoff berth for the Steelers, though they already have an advantage in the AFC wildcard chase with a 10-3 record.

For more on Roethlisberger and the Steelers, check out Behind the Steel Curtain.

Ben Roethlisberger Injury: Steelers Say High Ankle Sprain

The Pittsburgh Steelers may have dodged a bullet with QB Ben Roethlisberger and an injury he suffered on Thursday Night Football against the Cleveland Browns. Roethlisberger was tackled by a string of Browns players and when going to the ground his leg bent in ways that it shouldn't.

Here's video of the cringe-worthy injury.

Roethlisberger left the game with Steelers fans fearing an serious injury.

The good news? The Steelers QB returned and finished the game so he appears to be OK. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said after the game that Roethlisberger has a high ankle sprain. Halftime x-rays didn't reveal a break and when asked about Roethlisberger returning, Tomlin said:

The doctors said he was okay to go. He wanted to go. I will always give him an opportunity to show what he is capable of. We know what kind of competitor he is. We know his pain tolerance. We know what he's capable of.   

There are varying degrees of a high ankle sprain but it's not usually an injury that allows a player to return to the game. Some players miss multiple weeks because of it so the fact that Roethlisberger returned is impressive.

We'll monitor his status throughout the week because he'll probably be sore entering practice for Week 15. He has a few extra days to recover, which should help.

As SB Nation's Behind The Steel Curtain points out, Roethlisberger is one tough dude.

Ben Roethlisberger Injury: Steelers QB Injures Left Leg

Ben Roethlisberger has left the Pittsburgh Steelers' Thursday night game against the Cleveland Browns with a left leg injury, sustained when Browns defenders tackled him high-low and his left ankle was rolled up on. The foot and leg appeared to bend in ways they weren't intended.

Roethlisberger was escorted immediately to the locker room as he was helped off by trainers. He wasn't able to put on weight on his left leg and his face was contorted into a grimace. Backup quarterback Charlie Batch is in for the moment. Roethlisberger has been dealing with a right thumb injury this season, but this is on a different level. 

If you don't like watching such things, don't read past this, because here's the .gif:

via gif.mocksession.com

That left foot looks like something really nasty happened to it. Every Steeler fan is holding his/her breath right now, because, though it's foolhardy to speculate about injuries, Big Ben was in some serious pain.

For updates on Roethlisberger and the Steelers, visit Behind The Steel Curtain.