Officially listed as questionable for Monday night’s game with a Grade 1 high ankle sprain, the availability of Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger remains up in the air.
Per a league source, the decision as to Roethlisberger could hinge on the outcome of tonight’s game between the Ravens and the Chargers. If the 10-3 Ravens win, moving a game closer to the AFC North title that they’d win even if tied with the Steelers (thanks to a head-to-head sweep of Baltimore over Pittsburgh), the Steelers will be more likely to rest Roethlisberger. If, on the other hand, the Ravens lose the Steelers will be more likely to play Roethlisberger, given the opportunity to seize control of the division.
The decision to scratch center Maurkice Pouncey, who we’re told tried desperately to persuade the powers-that-be to let him play, came from a desire to ensure that Pouncey will be healed for the postseason. Under that reasoning, the Steelers could be inclined to rest Roethlisberger, too.