Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin held is normal Tuesday press conference today and ran down the injury report for the upcoming week as the team gets ready to play the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday.
Tomlin started off by saying that they have some guys that could possibly work themselves back this week. Wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery (ribs) ran on Monday, according to Tomlin, and he will participate partially on Wednesday with an eye towards playing Sunday.
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (ribs, shoulder) threw the ball on Monday, although Tomlin said that he did not observe that. He will take steps towards maybe playing this week and they will leave the door open for him. Tomlin did add that Roethlisberger won\’t be allowed to play unless he shows that he is capable.
Right tackle Mike Adams has a left ankle sprain and is out for Sunday. Rookie Kelvin Beachum will start in his place and Tomlin noted that he thought that the rookie represented himself good this past Sunday. Tomlin did not rule out the possibility of Ramon Foster playing right tackle should the need arise.
Tomlin said that left guard Willie Colon (knee) looks a lot better, but that he might need a day or two off at the early portion of the week. The knee is much improved according to the coach.
Quarterback Byron Leftwich (ribs) also threw on Monday and will be monitored over the course of the week. Tomlin made it clear that right now Charlie Batch is the quarterback and they are working on a plan to compliment his strengths until otherwise. The availability of the Roethlisberger and Leftwich will be determined based on their participation this week. The plan right now is that Batch will be the quarterback on Sunday, according to Tomlin.
Linebacker LaMarr Woodley (ankle) is doubtful with his ankle sprain and Tomlin said that Jason Worilds would replace him. Tomlin thought Worilds did a solid job in the game Sunday after Woodley left the game.
Wide receiver Antonio Brown (ankle) is going to practice this week and be scheduled to play. Safety Troy Polamalu (calf) will also practice this week with a possibility of playing. Tomlin said that they are encouraged by his status.
Tomlin said that running back Chris Rainey (leg) is fine and that he was just “seeking comfort” on Sunday.
