Big Ben’s Status Still Up in the Air

Added on Dec 19, 2011 by Scott in

NFL

Will he or won’t he play? That is the question the 49ers, Steelers fans and all AFC teams in playoff contention are wondering. Ben Roethlisberger’s status for tonight’s huge intra-conference showdown in San Francisco remains in doubt, although head coach Mike Tomlin is optimistic his Pro Bowl quarterback will be under center, despite a sprained left ankle.

Big Ben was limited in practice on Saturday and is officially listed as questionable on the injury report. Of course, if it was up to him, he’d be out there no matter how much pain he has to endure.

“I’m going to do everything I can to be out there. I don’t know if it’s my decision. If it was just a matter of pain, I’d be out there. I’m physically unable to do certain things.”

The popular opinion seems to be Roethlisberger will go, due in large part to Baltimore’s loss to San Diego in the Sunday night game. If the Steelers win their final three games, they will clinch not only the AFC North Division title, but more importantly the number one seed in the conference.

Roethlisberger can be a bit of a drama queen when it comes to injuries, so it won’t be at all surprising to see him start and play well. He has suffered various ailments over the last two seasons, but has yet to miss a game, not counting the pesky four-game suspension he served at the beginning of 2010 for his off the field transgressions.

Veteran Charlie Batch will get the nod if Ben can’t suit up. Batch last completed a pass in Week 4 of the 2010 season. With the Niners top ranked run defense lying in wait, whoever is under center for Pittsburgh will have to put the ball in the air to win.

In 13 starts, Roethlisberger has tossed for 3,526 yards, 21 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

Source: NFL.com