Steelers expecting Roethlisberger to play; More Injury Concerns

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is expecting QB Ben Roethlisbergerto start and play Sunday afternoon based on the information the Steelers have right now.

Roethlisberger has a sprain near the top of his foot, which has some Steelers officials a little more concerned than Tomlin seemed to be today.

Tomlin said that in case Roethlisberger is unable to play or get through Sunday’s game, the team will have packages ready for Charlie Batch.

While James Harrison is sidelined longterm due to a fractured orbital bone, the Steelers also have several other injury concerns going into the week.

Aaron Smith (foot sprain) is expected to miss Sunday’s game and the same for running back Mewelde Moore who has a high ankle sprain.

Tomlin called both players extremely questionable.

Meanwhile, Casey Hampton has a right shoulder contusion and will be limited and the team expects Rashard Mendenhall to be limited early in the week due to a right hamstring injury. The Steelers though are confident that Mendenhall will play.

Jonathan Scott (ankle), Doug Legursky (shoulder) are expected to play and will return to their respective starting positions at left tackle and right guard.

Bryant McFadden who has missed the past three games due to a hamstring injury, is also expected to play, according to Tomlin.

Tomlin would not commit to McFadden returning as a starter.

“I like what’s going on with some of the men, ” Tomlin said on his cornerback rotation.