Roethlisberger missed four weeks earlier in the season with a knee injury. In five games this year, he has completed 119 of 178 passes for 1,508 yards with seven touchdowns and six interceptions. (Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports)
PITTSBURGH — Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger refused to rule out playing in Sunday’s game because of a mid-foot sprain and might be taking a step toward convincing the Pittsburgh Steelers he’s capable of functioning behind center.
Roethlisberger is out of the protective walking boot he required to get around Sunday after he was hurt on a sack by Oakland Raiders pass rusher Aldon Smith. Roethlibserger had been told he’d miss a few weeks. With the Steelers on bye next Sunday, putting him in harm’s way this week against the Cleveland Browns might be risky. ESPN first reported Thursday Big Ben was bootless.
Roethlisberger told 93.7 The Fan in Pittsburgh on Tuesday not to rule him out of Sunday’s game. The 33-year-old Roethlisberger was taken to the locker room on a cart during the fourth quarter of the Steelers’ 38-35 victory over the Oakland Raiders last weekend.
“The bye will come at a good time, but I’m not even going to rule myself out this week,” Roethlisberger said. “I’m going to take it one day at a time … I can walk on it. I’m not running around or anything, but the smart thing to do, from what doc has told me and the trainers, is just to kinda keep ice on it and get the swelling out and just kind of rest it, let it heal.”
Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday that there’s a small chance Roethlisberger could play Sunday, but it’s doubtful. If Roethlisberger is unable to go, backup Landry Jones would take over as the starter this week.
Roethlisberger missed four weeks earlier in the season with a knee injury. In five games this year, he has completed 119 of 178 passes for 1,508 yards with seven touchdowns and six interceptions.
