Ben Roethlisberger Injury Update: Will Steelers QB play in Week 9?

Injured Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger practiced with the first-team offense Wednesday afternoon.

Ben Roethlisberger has a history of rushing back from injuries in his 13-year NFL career and this current trip to the sidelines may be no different. Roethlisberger underwent surgery for a torn meniscus following the Pittsburgh Steelers loss to the Miami Dolphins on October 16 and is already returning to take first-team reps in practice.

With the benefit of a bye week, it’s no doubt that Roethlisberger may only miss one game, especially with this weekend’s trip to take on the rival Baltimore Ravens. Head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters Roethlisberger “has a chance to play” if things go well in practice this week. Thursday’s practice may influence the final decision as to the quarterback’s status for Sunday.

Medical timetables mean very little to Roethlisberger, something that was not lost on Terrell Suggs of the Ravens.

“He’s gonna act like ‘Aw, I’m not playing, I don’t know, I did individual work a little bit.’ But then he’ll walk his big ass on out there and it’ll be ‘How you doin’ Benjamin.’ And then it’s on,” Suggs said.

The Steelers certainly need Roethlisberger back on the field as quickly as possible. Backup Landry Jones has been mostly ineffective in relief of Roethlisberger. On the season, Big Ben has thrown for 1,685 yards and 16 touchdowns. The 73.9 QBR he has posted through six games is on par with the best seasons of his career.

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For the Steelers, the return of Roethlisberger should cement a victory over the struggling Ravens who have lost four straight after a 3-0 start. A porous pass defense has let the Ravens down during their losing streak. Chances are good that Roethlisberger shakes off the effects of the torn meniscus to take part in one of the NFL’s most heated rivalries.