Oct 24, 2016 5 min read

PITTSBURGH – Because of the physical nature of the game, there’s no such thing as a bad bye week in football.

But some come at better times than others.

For the Steelers, their bye week couldn’t have come at a better time.

Coming off a 26-17 loss Sunday to the New England Patriots at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh’s second consecutive defeat, the banged-up Steelers (4-3) remain atop the AFC North standings.

And before their next game, Nov. 6 at Baltimore, they figure to get a lot more healthy.

“We want all of our players (back),” said running back Le’Veon Bell.

Bell might get his wish.

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger missed Sunday’s game against the Patriots after having a minor knee cleanup last week. Right tackle Marcus Gilbert (ankle) has been out three games. Defensive end Cameron Heyward has been out two games with a hamstring injury. Running back DeAngelo Williams sat Sunday with knee swelling, while wide receiver Markus Wheaton has been dealing with a shoulder injury that forced him out of four of the team’s first seven games.

Add in tight end Ladarius Green, who opened the season on the PUP list with an ankle injury, and linebacker Bud Dupree, who is on injured reserve with a groin issue, and the Steelers could have seven major contributors back when they travel to Baltimore (3-4).

They would probably settle for Roethlisberger, Gilbert and Heyward.

Roethlisberger said last week that he could be out as long as four to six weeks and the game against the Ravens will be three weeks removed from his surgery to repair the meniscus in his left knee.

His teammates expect him to be on the field.

Roethlisberger wasn’t at the team’s facility last week but was on the sidelines for the game against the Patriots and did not look hindered by the injury. He’ll continue to work on his rehab this week at home and return to the team next week.

“He has been looking good,” Gilbert said Monday. “Seeing him walking around, he has a little bit of a pep to his step. It’s really encouraging. We just have to see next week when we come back how he is progressing. For me, I am saying take as much time you need to get 100 percent healthy and come back right so you don’t have any setbacks. Whenever he is ready I am sure he will be out there first thing because we need him.”

Landry Jones made his third career start against the Patriots, completing 29 of 47 passes for 281 yards, one touchdown and one interception.

It wasn’t as bad a start as many feared, but it wasn’t what fans have become accustomed to seeing from Roethlisberger at home, either. In three home games this season, Roethlisberger has 12 touchdown passes and two interceptions.

“When you have a Hall of Fame quarterback, it’s hard to replace that,” said Bell. “But I think Landry did play a good game. I don’t think he threw the game away or anything.”

Heyward has missed the past two games – the first two of his career – and Pittsburgh’s defense has been ravaged on the ground, allowing 222 yards in a loss at Miami and 140 against the Patriots.

The Steelers are now 0-4 in the past two seasons when Heyward or fellow defensive end Stephon Tuitt have been out.

“I’m doing everything possible,” said Heyward. “I want to get back out there for my teammates.”

What the Steelers do with Green and Dupree in the next two weeks will be interesting to watch.

Green was eligible to be activated from the PUP last week but the Steelers have not yet chosen to allow him to start practicing. Dupree is eligible to return to practice next week after having surgery to repair two sports hernias in August.

“Everything is progressing,” said Green. “I am just waiting to get the word. (Coach) knows I want to be out there. It’s up to him to do what is best for the team. I agree with whatever he decides, like I have been doing. He will make the right decision.”

With nine games remaining, the Steelers have just three – against Dallas (5-1) and the Giants (4-3) and at Buffalo (4-3) – against teams that currently own a winning record. … Buffalo’s Lorenzo Alexander leads the NFL with nine sacks, one more than the Steelers have as a team. … The Steelers will practice Tuesday and Wednesday before being given the rest of the week off for the bye. … Wide receiver Antonio Brown will appear on Late Night with Seth Meyers on NBC tonight.Associated Press

Injured Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, right, talks with New England quarterback Tom Brady after the Patriots beat the Steelers Sunday afternoon in Pittsburgh.