Initial Reports out of Pittsburgh were that Big Ben would be out for both of the games against the Ravens. But reports surfaced earlier this week that Ben has a “50 percent chance” of playing at M&T this Sunday.
WARNING: Be prepared to hear how much of a “warrior” Ben is throughout the week.
While Roethlisberger’s status is still uncertain, he hinted today on how he is feeling.
(The following question and answer is courtesy of Steelers.com)
Is pain the biggest issue right now?
Roethlisberger: I can play through a lot of pain. That is a little bit of it but mostly it’s just, to me, ability. Can I make a long throw? Can I put a lot of zip on the ball, throw it really hard before people like Ed Reed and defenders can get to the ball? Because if I can’t, then I’m not putting this team in the best situation to win the game.
Let’s read more into this comment. Ben says that he “can play through a lot of pain” which clearly means Ben is still in a world of hurt. Ben also hints that if he can’t put a ton of zip on the ball he most likely won’t play.
Doctors most familiar to this injury say that the pain from the Sternoclavicular Joint gets worse with more movement. So even if Ben plays, how much is he going to be able to throw? If it’s true that pain gets much worse with more movement, by halftime his SC Joint could be more destroyed then before he started.
And let’s be honest here, T-Sizzle and the rest of the crew are going to want nothing more than to crunch Ben to the ground time after time.
Even if Ben plays, he isn’t going to be himself. It’s not his nose or his ankle this time. It’s his throwing motion and that is the biggest turnover threat.
Mike Tomlin commented earlier in the week that Charlie Batch would indeed be the starter if Ben can’t go. Batch is being prepared and is running all of the 1st team reps.
If you’re going to be at The Bank this Sunday, make sure whoever is under center can’t hear themselves think!
