Ben Roethlisberger Starts For Steelers Despite Upset Stomach

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger didn’t participate in pregame warmups Sunday night, but did start against the Cincinnati Bengals.

With an AFC North title on the line, Ben Roethlisberger came into Sunday night’s game not sure if he could stomach things at Heinz Field.

Roethlisberger did not participate in pregame warmups, according to Pro Football Talk. Backup Bruce Gradkowski led the Pittsburgh Steelers offense through its pregame paces prior to the game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

But when the ball was kicked off, Big Ben was there, starting and going 2-for-4 for 24 yards on Pittsburgh’s opening drive, which ended in a punt.

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The Steelers (10-5) and the Bengals (10-4-1) have already clinched playoff spots and both will play on Wild Card weekend. What’s at stake is whether the Steelers or Bengals will be at home or on the road next week.

Cincinnati would lock up the No. 3 seed with a win and would host the Steelers next week. If Pittsburgh wins, it is the No. 3 seed and would host the Baltimore Ravens, with the Bengals visiting the Indianapolis Colts next weekend.

The Ravens clinched their playoff spot earlier Sunday with a 20-10 win over the Cleveland Browns.

The New England Patriots will be the top seed and have home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs, with the Denver Broncos earning a first-round bye Sunday with a win over the Oakland Raiders.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger didn’t participate in pregame warmups Sunday night, but did start against the Cincinnati Bengals.

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