Should Ben play hurt against the Chargers?

[steelfury02]

Originally Posted by WVABE

Ben needs to heal, no ifs ands or buts about it,
why risk any further delays, make him our 3rd qb and let it be.

that Dallas game is gonna be tough as hell - I have confidence that our D can frustrate Tony Schlomo

[Hawaii 5-0]

Roethlisberger tries to pass practice test

By F. Dale Lolley
published dec 4, 2012



Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger watches the action from the sidelines during the first half of Sunday’s game against the Ravens.

PITTSBURGH – If Ben Roethlisberger is going to play for the Steelers this weekend, then he has to show head coach Mike Tomlin that he’s healthy enough to be effective.

Tomlin said Tuesday that Roethlisberger successfully threw again Monday as he attempts to return from rib and shoulder injuries that have sidelined him the last three games.

But the true test for Pittsburgh’s starting quarterback will be completing practices as the Steelers (7-5) prepare to play the Chargers (4-8) Sunday at Heinz Field.

“We’ll see what it looks like on the football field,” said Tomlin. “He’ll be given an opportunity to prove he is healthy. In the meanwhile, Charlie (Batch) is our guy. We’ll prepare and plan with that in mind, just like we did a week ago.”

Roethlisberger was cleared to resume throwing last week, but wasn’t ready to play in the Steelers’ 23-20 win at Baltimore. The Steelers expect that Roethlisberger to play against San Diego, but are making contingency plans for Batch as well.

Batch made his second consecutive start Sunday. The Steelers were beaten, 20-14 at Cleveland Nov. 25, in Batch’s first start in place of Roethlisberger. Batch threw three interceptions and the Steelers lost five fumbles at Cleveland. But the 15-year-veteran, who celebrates his 38th birthday today, rebounded against the Ravens, passing for 276 yards and a touchdown in leading Pittsburgh in a fourth-quarter comeback.

“We’re happy for and proud of Charlie,” said Tomlin. “He made all of the necessary plays for us not only physically, but emotionally. He was solid throughout (and) did an awesome job communicating.”

If Roethlisberger shows he is ready to play, then he will start against the Chargers. Tomlin said there is an opportunity for Batch to start.

“It depends on what the week tells us,” said Tomlin. “It would be premature to make those judgments until we see what (Roethlisberger) looks like throwing the football in 11-on-11 or 7-on-7 settings.

“Obviously, Ben is our quarterback and if he’s capable of playing, then we’re going to play him.”

The news was not as good for Ike Taylor, who was injured on the second play of the game against the Ravens. Taylor suffered a hairline fracture in his right ankle that will end his consecutive games played streak at 135, the longest current streak for any NFL cornerback.

“You can say a lot of things about Ike, and a lot of positive things, but probably the thing that sticks out the most is his durability and availability,” said Tomlin. “This guy hasn’t missed practices, let alone football games, since I’ve been here. We’re in a unique territory in that regard.”

With Taylor out, the Steelers will turn to Cortez Allen to replace him, as they did in Baltimore, with fellow second-year cornerback Curtis Brown playing on passing downs in the nickel defense.

“They’re both talented young guys who are continuing to improve and prove that the stage isn’t too big for them,” Tomlin said. “Obviously, we need them to answer the bell as we continue to push into a territory that we haven’t been in since I’ve been here.”

Odds and end zones

Fullback Will Johnson suffered a concussion against the Ravens but has passed preliminary tests and is expected to play against the Chargers. … In addition to Taylor, right tackle Mike Adams (ankle) is expected to miss the game. … The Steelers expect to have guard Willie Colon and wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery back this week. Both players have missed the last two games with injuries. … Linebacker LaMarr Woodley (ankle) is questionable to play. ... Tomlin said he expected to use the same running back rotation this week, with Jonathan Dwyer starting and Isaac Redmanas the backup. Former starter Rashard Mendenhall was inactive Sunday despite being healthy.

http://www.observer-reporter.com/art...6#.UL7Z_c2FEmw

[maddog78]

He's not going to be 100% for the rest of the year. Neither is Troy, Harrison, Woodley, Brown, Sanders, and most other players.

Maybe we should just forfeit the season and rest them all until everyone is 100%. Then do it again after the first game they play.

[ETL]

Originally Posted by maddog78

He's not going to be 100% for the rest of the year. Neither is Troy, Harrison, Woodley, Brown, Sanders, and most other players.

Maybe we should just forfeit the season and rest them all until everyone is 100%. Then do it again after the first game they play.

As usual, another fan has totally missed the point and gone off the deep end . If u can read, we are talking about giving our team the best chance to win the Super Bowl. Does resting Ben give our Steelers the best chance to win in the playoffs and the championship.

[maddog78]

Originally Posted by ETL

As usual, another fan has totally missed the point and gone off the deep end . If u can read, we are talking about giving our team the best chance to win the Super Bowl. Does resting Ben give our Steelers the best chance to win in the playoffs and the championship.

That question is unanswerable. If Batch plays like he did in Cleveland against SD's 9th ranked defense, the Steelers could fall a game behind the Bengals and miss the playoffs altogether.

None of the last four games are guaranteed. If Ben is deemed healthy to play and not at greater than normal risk to re-injure himself, he should play and give us the best chance to win.

[ETL]

Originally Posted by maddog78

That question is unanswerable. If Batch plays like he did in Cleveland against SD's 9th ranked defense, the Steelers could fall a game behind the Bengals and miss the playoffs altogether.

None of the last four games are guaranteed. If Ben is deemed healthy to play and not at greater than normal risk to re-injure himself, he should play and give us the best chance to win.

Well guess what? Tomlin has to answer that question and he gets paid to answer it. If he is right - accolades to him. If he is wrong, he has to face the criticism.

As fans, we can discuss this as we are doing now. If you are telling me that questions are not worth talking about then you don't need to be here. What the hell is a message board anyways for.

[maddog78]

Originally Posted by ETL

Well guess what? Tomlin has to answer that question and he gets paid to answer it. If he is right - accolades to him. If he is wrong, he has to face the criticism.

As fans, we can discuss this as we are doing now. If you are telling me that questions are not worth talking about then you don't need to be here. What the hell is a message board anyways for.

Let's try it this way. Why would resting your best player during an intense playoff race help your chances of winning the Super Bowl?

[maddog78]

Originally Posted by GoFor7

Isn't this thread a little premature considering no one here is his doctor and can't possibly know his medical status?

Winner.

[maddog78]

Originally Posted by Goldsteel86

Ben was medically cleared to play this week against the

No he wasn't. The PG squashed La Canfora's rumor like a little bug.

[SoCalFan]

All I know is, a 75% Ben is better than a 100% Batch!

The game plan with Ben in is key! Hand the ball off and GET RID OF THE BALL QUICKLY!!! Also the fact the O-line is playing really well will be a factor!!!