Nov 2, 2016 3 min read

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It appears chances are improving that Ben Roethlisberger will be back in the Steelers’ lineup Sunday when the team travels to Baltimore.

If the Steelers were trying to play a cat-and-mouse game with the Ravens regarding Roethlisberger’s status, it likely didn’t work.

Baltimore linebacker Terrell Suggs said Wednesday that he expected Roethlisberger to play.

“Don’t fall for that,” Suggs said. “I saw this movie before. He’s going to walk his big ass out there.”

Roethlisberger was officially listed as limited at Wednesday’s practice, but his teammates admitted that the quarterback has continued to amp up his practice work.

“I thought he looked really good out there,” said guard Ramon Foster. “I know he’s going to want to play.”

If I had to guess right now, I would say Roethlisberger is going to play.

@ Cam Heyward and Marcus Gilbert also appear to be ready to return as well.

Heyward has missed the past two games with a hamstring injury. The Steelers are 0-4 in the past two seasons when either Heyward or Stephon Tuitt do not play.

The Steelers were 1-2 without Gilbert this season, beating the Jets but losing at Miami and to New England.

The fact that Gilbert is back also could have an effect on Roethlisberger’s status, as well.

Head coach Mike Tomlin might be more inclined to let Roethlisberger play behind his starting line as opposed to one that includes a backup or two.

@ The Steelers are 6-3 under Tomlin coming out of a bye week – though they have lost their last two.

The Ravens are 6-2 coming out of the bye under John Harbaugh, but that includes a loss last season.

@ When I asked Bell today about his lack of touchdowns – he’s gone seven consecutive games without one – he compared it to a guy who has three carries from the 1 and scores three times.

“It’s great for fantasy football, but that doesn’t mean he had a great day,” Bell said.

@ Baltimore linebacker C.J. Mosley has three interceptions this season. The Steelers have three as a team.

@ No team in the league relies on its placekicker more than the Ravens. Baltimore has scored 10 touchdowns this season. Placekicker Justin Tucker has 18 field goals, including four from 50-plus yards.

@ Looking for a hidden stat? Here’s one: Baltimore return ace Devin Hester has touched the ball 29 times this season on punts and kickoffs. He has four fumbles.

@ At one point in his career, Roethlisberger starting a game against the Ravens meant the Steelers could pretty much pencil in a win. He won seven of his first nine starts against Baltimore.

But his career record against the Ravens now stands at 9-7, not including a pair of playoff wins.