Report: Ben Roethlisberger's recovery 'ahead of schedule'

By Jason Rowan

While it appears at this point to be unlikely that Ben Roethlisberger will suit up for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ showdown with the Cleveland Browns Sunday, the quarterback reportedly is “progressing ahead of schedule" from a mid-foot sprain suffered during the fourth quarter of Sunday’s 38-35 win over the Oakland Raiders, sources say.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that while it was expected that Roethlisberger would remain in a walking boot all week, he apparently is longer wearing it.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin left the door “slightly ajar” earlier this week for Roethlisberger to play Sunday, yet all indications are that Landry Jones will make his second career start against the Browns.

The Steelers lost Roethlisberger for four games earlier this season after he suffered an MCL sprain and bone bruise in a Week 3 win over the St. Louis Rams. He made his return in the team’s loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Nov. 1 and then suffered his most recent setback the following week.

Roethlisberger was holding out hope earlier this week that he would be able to give it a go Sunday against the Browns, pointing out he treats every injury on a week-by-week basis.

The Steelers do have a bye week following the team’s showdown with the Browns, meaning it would allow Roethlisberger a full two weeks to recover before a tilt with the Seattle Seahawks on Nov. 29.

Given how the veteran signal-caller throughout his career has demonstrated a remarkable toughness, it wouldn’t be shocking to see him try to plead his case for suiting up should he feel comfortable enough to do so. But giving the Landry the nod Sunday and allowing Roetlhisberger a two-week respite arguably may be the wisest course of action.

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