 RE: Is it confirmed yet that big ben will play?
Roethlisberger expects to play through pain
NFL.com wire reports
PITTSBURGH (Nov. 23, 2005) -- Now that Ben Roethlisberger is back, the Pittsburgh Steelers can only hope the rest of their offense returns with him.
Roethlisberger ran the offense in practice for the first time in nearly a month after missing three consecutive games and four of six with knee injuries. He still has pain after needing right knee surgery Nov. 3, but not nearly as much as in past weeks.
"It feels like an eternity since I've been out there," Roethlisberger said. "I can't wait to get out there and get on the field so the guys know I'm back, and hopefully I'm back to stay for a while."
And what about the knee?
"The doctors are telling me it looks good," said Roethlisberger, who initially hurt the knee in the season opener and has been bothered by the injury since. "As long as I keep telling myself it feels good, I'll be OK."
Roethlisberger's return comes exactly when the Steelers (7-3) need him the most, with key games against the Indianapolis Colts on Nov. 28 and the Cincinnati Bengals (7-3) and Chicago Bears (7-3) to follow. Clearly, it's the pivotal stretch of the season as the Steelers and Cincinnati compete for the AFC North title.  |