Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is "progressing ahead of schedule," as he is already out of his walking boot that he was expected to wear all week, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Roethlisberger was reportedly expected to miss a few weeks after suffering a mid-foot sprain against the Oakland Raiders this past weekend. The Steelers quarterback is unlikely to play Sunday against the Browns, according to Schefter. While Roethlisberger probably won't play this weekend, it's a good sign that they are already debating his return. The Steelers are 5-4 on the season and will likely need a wildcard spot to make the postseason, as the Bengals are already 8-0.
Roethlisberger is known for his toughness and how he has continued to play through injuries throughout his NFL career. "The bye will come at a good time, but I'm not even going to rule myself out this week," said Roethlisberger, via Cleveland.com. "I'm going to take it one day at a time.... I can walk on it. I'm not running around or anything but the smart thing to do, from what doc has told me and the trainers is just to kind of keep ice on it and get the swelling out and just kind of rest it, let it heal."
While Roethlisberger seems somewhat optimistic about this weekend, head coach Mike Tomlin is looking to prepare with backup Landry Jones. "We'll leave the door ajar for him - but it's just slightly ajar," said Tomlin, via Cleveland.com. "It's prudent we prepare to play without Ben and prepare to play with Landry Jones."
The Steelers are fighting for their playoff lives right now, but it seems like the team will take it safe with Roethlisberger this weekend. The Steelers may want to rest him as they face the Seattle Seahawks after their bye week, and that could be a crucial game for their playoff chances. Tomlin is clearly focused on taking care of the Browns this weekend, but the team is likely happy to see that Roethlisberger is ahead of schedule.
