Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger practiced Thursday for the first time this week, but don't count him out, as he could play this weekend, according to Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
It was reported Thursday that Roethlisberger was ahead of schedule and could play this upcoming week against the Cleveland Browns. The Steelers are 5-4 on the season and will likely need a wildcard spot to make the playoffs. Roethlisberger suffered a mid-foot sprain after Oakland Raiders linebacker Aldon Smith sacked him this past Sunday.
The Steelers quarterback was reportedly expected to miss a few weeks, but it really depended on how his foot recovered this week. After practice Thursday, Roethlisberger said that his foot felt fine, according to Bouchette.
The question will be how the injury recovers after putting pressure on it, and will he be able to help his team on the field Sunday despite the injury. "It was just good to see him out there," said offensive coordinator Todd Haley, via the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "Any time '7' is out on the field, that's a good thing."
Roethlisberger was a listed as a limited participant in Thursday's practice, but the Steelers franchise quarterback seems eager to get back on the field. "My goal is always to try to get better as fast as possible," said Roethlisberger prior to practice. "If I'm feeling good enough and coach determines I'm good enough to be out there on Sunday, then that's the goal."
The Steelers have dealt with some big injuries this season and will need Roethlisberger to get healthy if they want to make a run for the postseason.
