Ben Roethlisberger injury: Steelers QB also has rib damage

Gregory Shamus

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has a "dangerous" rib injury.

In addition to a sprained shoulder, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has a "rare and dangerous" rib injury, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Schefter also tweeted: "Doctors are concerned that Ben Roethlisberger's rib injury could lead to more internal damage if he were to play Sunday."

The Steelers announced Wednesday that Roethlisberger will miss Sunday night's game against the division-leading Baltimore Ravens. Veteran Byron Leftwich will be the Steelers' starter Sunday.

Roethlisberger left Monday night's game against the Kansas City Chiefs with what the team said was a sprained throwing shoulder. Roethlisberger was hit by a pair of Chiefs and forced into the ground onto his right shoulder.

Before he left the game, Roethlisberger was 9 of 18 for 84 yards and a touchdown. Leftwich replaced Roethlisberger in the second quarter and finished the game 7 of 14 for 73 yards.

After starting the season 2-3, Pittsburgh has won four games in a row. The Steelers are 6-3 and sit behind the Ravens (7-2) in the AFC North.