Tomlin remains coy about Roethlisberger’s status for Steelers
PITTSBURGH – Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is choosing to keep the Baltimore Ravens guessing regarding the status of star quarterback Ben Roethlisberger heading into their game Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium.
Tomlin officially listed Roethlisberger as questionable for the game against the Ravens, which will be 20 days following his surgery to repair a meniscus injury in his left knee. Roethlisberger missed the team’s game Oct. 23 against New England, but has participated in every team practice since as the Steelers did not play last week while on a bye.
“We don’t have to make a decision today so we won’t,” Tomlin told reporters Friday when questioned about Roethlisberger’s status. “We’ll continue to push forward toward game day.”
Sources say, however, Roethlisberger expects to start, though the ultimate decision is Tomlin’s. At the very least, he could serve as the backup to Landry Jones as he did in a game against Cleveland at Heinz Field in 2015 when coming off a foot injury.
Jones left that game with an ankle injury and Roethlisberger threw for 379 yards, an NFL record for a player who entered a game off the bench.
The news wasn’t quite as good for cornerback William Gay. Gay was added to the team’s injury list as questionable with a foot injury. He did not practice Friday.
Rookie Artie Burns is expected to start in his place.
The injury could put Gay’s streak of 151 consecutive games played – the longest current such streak for cornerbacks – in jeopardy. Gay could, however, still serve as the nickel corner.
Running back DeAngelo Williams, who has been in and out of practice this week with a knee injury, practiced fully Friday but also is listed as questionable.
The Steelers only list center Cody Wallace (knee) as out, while the team is expected to get defensive end Cameron Heyward, right tackle Marcus Gilbert, wide receiver Markus Gilbert and safety Shamarko Thomas back for the game.
All had missed at least the past two games because of injuries.
Wide receiver Sammie Coates, who has been limited the past two games with a broken finger on his left hand, also is expected to return to full duty.