Here's a sentence I never thought I'd write: "Tonight, Dennis Dixon gets the start at quarterback for the Steelers, backed up by Tyler Palko and then by Ben Roethlisberger."
But it's real, and it's not some Hanratty-Bradshaw-Gilliam nightmare for Steelers fans. Due to a concussion, Roethlisberger is the third quarterback. And due to a wrist injury, Charlie Batch is also inactive.
Per our friends at NBC, the other inactives are safety Troy Polamalu, cornerback Keenan Lewis, guard Kraig Urbik, guard Chris Kemoeatu, defensive end Ra'Shon Harris, and defensive end Nick Eason.
For the Ravens, defensive end Terrell Suggs, fullback Charles Ali, cornerback Cary Williams, linebacker Antwan Barnes, tackle Oniel Cousins, offensive lineman Tony Moll, and nose tackle Kelly Talavou are inactive. Quarterback John Beck is the emergency quarterback.
The game starts at 8:30 p.m. ET on NBC. I'll be doing a live chat on Sunday Night Football Extra at NBCSports.com.
As expected, Roethlisberger is the emergency quarterback
Posted by Mike Florio on November 29, 2009 7:20 PM ET
Great, Kemoeatu's out as well. Lovely. Perfect.
But no matter. No excuses. It sucks, fellas. Win anyway.
Go Steelers!!!!!!!!!
you guys don't know it now, but Big Ben just got wally Pipped.
The Dixon Dynasty is upon us.
All I can say is that boy's knee better be healed 'cuz he will be a'runnin' for his life tonight ... GO STEELERS !!!!!!!
Sweet!
Someone needs to slap Hines Ward on the helmet with a sledge hammer! That interview they aired with him and Bob Costas before the game was rediculous. He is exactly why players with too many concussions can't spell their own name, take care of their family, or tie their own shoes! Way to think of yourself first Hines instead of the health of your Quarterback.
@thetuz ... Amen!
Hines is right if you feel good enough to dress then you can play. He practice all week, then 2 days before the game he starts this BS. At least with Troy we know he is hurt, he is in street clothes. Can't play, then you shouldn't dress, you dress then play. I am with hines 100%. I also am questioning Big Ben on this one and I am a Big Ben fan.
Either he can play or he can't play. Since Tomlin has come to Pittsburgh, we have become soft drama queens. Ben is an embarrassment.
@Steelshade ...
It's. Real. Simple.
He. Can't. Play.
If he plays and gets a second concussion so soon after the first, he could suffer permanent brain injury. Then, years from now when he's watching a game, no matter how many times it's reported that the QB hasn't been medically cleared and will only be able to hand off in an emergency, he'll just keep saying "either he can play or he can't play."
Yeah, I'm really embarrassed by Ben's two trophies. Shameful!