You already knew that Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger wasn’t going to miss Sunday’s playoff game against the Denver Broncos, right?
In case you didn’t, Sal Paolantonio of ESPN reported Saturday morning that Roethlisberger will indeed make the trip to Denver and is expected to start for the Steelers Sunday.
Shocker!
While Roethlisberger ended the week listed as questionable on the team’s Friday injury report, he was able to practice fully with the team during their final session and all reports from head coach Mike Tomlin afterwards seemed to positive as it relates to what he observed.
Roethlisberger injured his right shoulder late in the AFC Wild Card win over the Cincinnati Bengals when he was sacked by linebacker Vontaze Burfict on the last play of the third quarter. The Steelers starting quarterback left the game because of the injury but returned for the final offensive possession even though he was in pain and couldn’t throw the football down the field very far.
While Roethlisberger won’t be 100 percent Sunday in Denver, he should be healthy enough to make all of the throws needed. The Steelers offensive line will need to make sure they provide good protection for him throughout the game and being as wide receiver Antonio Brown was ruled out for the contest on Friday with a concussion, the other wide receivers on the roster will also need to step up big in his absence against a tough Broncos defense.
A win Sunday by the Steelers would be one for the ages and especially if Roethlisberger has a herculean-type performance. Roethlisberger relishes being the underdog and while he may indeed be a drama queen of sorts at times, we’ve seen him respond with greatness in situations such as the one he’ll face Sunday in Denver.
