Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has been out since injuring his throwing shoulder and dislocating a rib November 12 against Kansas City, and it seems unlikely he will be back in time for the Steelers’ matchup Sunday with AFC North Rival Baltimore.
NFL.com reports that, while Big Ben has managed to practice with the team some this week, his arm just isn’t where it needs to be yet. When Roethlisberger was asked if there was any chance he would play this weekend, he sounded cautiously optimistic, but other quotes suggested he was resigned to another week watching backup quarterback Charlie Batch.
”There’s always a chance,” Roethlisberger said, according to the Associated Press .
Batch completed 20 of 34 passes for 199 yards and three interceptions against the Browns in a 20-14 Steelers loss. Batch was the team’s third string quarterback but was pressed into service after injuries to Roethlisberger and Byron Leftwich.
“I firmly believe that (Batch will play well),” Roethlisberger said. “They know what he’s capable of. He’s been doing it a long time. They respect him. I think he’s ready to rise to the occasion.”
Ben Roethlisberger has had a busy last few weeks. His injury against the Chiefs included a dislocated rib that doctors once said threatened to puncture his aorta, though reports say that threat has likely passed. Still, when he does return, he may wear special pads.
In addition to rehabbing his shoulder, Big Ben and his wife Ashley welcomed Benjamin Todd Roethlisberger Jr., the couple’s newborn son , into the world on November 22. The timing of Ben’s injury was fortuitous, as it allowed him to be off work when Ben Jr. was born.
