Mike Tomlin reveals final decision on Ben Roethlisberger on Monday Night Football
The Pittsburgh Steelers are coming off their biggest win of the season, defeating the Browns in Cleveland in a defensive showdown. Now, Mike Tomlin and Ben Roethlisberger turn their attention to a Monday Night Football contest with the Chicago Bears.
However, Roethlisberger has been dealing with a shoulder injury hindering him. Prior to the Bears coming to town, Tomlin revealed Roethlisberger’s status for the game.
“Coach Mike Tomlin said Ben Roethlisberger will play on Monday night against the Bears despite a right shoulder injury that showed up on the injury report on Friday,” tweeted Teresa Varley of the team’s website.
Luckily, Tomlin won’t have to try to replace Roethlisbeger as he gameplans for the Bears. The Steelers backup quarterbacks are Mason Rudolph and Dwayne Haskins — both of whom will continue to hold the clipboard.
While Roethlisberger isn’t his old self, he’s still led the Steelers to four victories. On the season, the two-time Super Bowl champion has passed for 1,781 yards. Additionally, he’s thrown eight touchdowns, as well as four interceptions.
A victory against the Bears will help the Steelers keep pace with the better teams in the AFC, especially within their division. With a game against the Detroit Lions to follow, the Tomlin and Roethlisberger can put together a winning streak over the next couple games.
Full Steelers Friday Injury Report
Did not practice — OL BJ Finney (back)
One day after being limited with a back injury, offensive lineman BJ Finney didn’t practice on Friday. It’s a setback for Finney, who was limited on Thursday. He left last week’s game against Cleveland with a thigh injury, but it appears the thigh injury is healed. Now, Pittsburgh has to worry about the back injury.
Limited participants — TE Eric Ebron (ankle), QB Ben Roethlisberger (pectoral/hip/right shoulder)
This is promising for tight end Eric Ebron, who was held out of Thursday’s practice with an ankle injury. He didn’t play against Cleveland last week due to the injury, but it sounds like he could be working his way back for the game against the Bears on Monday.
On the flip side, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger had another injury show up this week. He played through pectoral and hip injuries against the Browns, but now the veteran is dealing with a shoulder injury. That’s certainly something for Pittsburgh to monitor as the game gets closer.
Full participants — K Chris Boswell (concussion)
Pittsburgh lost its kicker last week when Chris Boswell took a nasty hit on a fake field goal attempt. He entered concussion protocols and was limited in Thursday’s practice. On Friday, he practiced in full, meaning the Steelers will likely have their kicker back. Considering punter Pressley Harvin was the emergency kicker — and Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin said he wouldn’t attempt a field goal or extra point at all — it’s great to see Boswell back to full participation.
The Steelers and Bears are gearing up to face off at Heinz Field on Monday Night Football this week. Kickoff for that game is set at 8:20 p.m. ET on ESPN.