Roethlisberger expected to play despite concussion

11/24/2009
ASSOCIATED PRESS

PITTSBURGH — Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has a concussion, but is expected to play at Baltimore as long as he continues to pass the daily tests given to players who have sustained the injury.

Coach Mike Tomlin said on Tuesday that he plans to go into Sunday's game with Roethlisberger and second-year player Dennis Dixon as his only quarterbacks. A third, inexperienced quarterback will be signed, but Tomlin said he won't be ready to play.

Backup quarterback Charlie Batch broke his left wrist during the 27-24 loss in Kansas City on Sunday and will have surgery on Wednesday. Pittsburgh also will be without left guard Chris Kemoeatu (sprained MCL) and Tomlin said safety Troy Polamalu (left knee) is “questionable, at best.”