By Gerry Dulac, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Peter Diana, Post-Gazette
Barring some unforeseen circumstance or a change in his medical condition, Ben Roethlisberger will start at quarterback tomorrow against the Oakland Raiders, a week after he was knocked unconscious and had a concussion in Atlanta.
Roethlisberger went through a full practice for the second day in a row and has not had any problems passing all the tests necessary to receive medical clearance to play.
His condition will be monitored right up to game time to make sure there are no post-concussion symptoms such as headaches, nausea, dizziness or blurred vision.
Roethlisberger is one of the primary reasons the team's passing game has come to life. In the past two games, he and Charlie Batch have combined to complete 41 of 55 passes (74.5 percent) for 677 yards, seven touchdowns and no interceptions.
Hamstrung
Nose tackle Casey Hampton (hamstring) did not practice all week and is not expected to play against the Raiders. Hampton was injured early in the third quarter in Atlanta.
"It depends how I feel," Hampton said. "I'm not going to hurt myself. I'd rather miss one [game] than four or five."
Hampton will be replaced by Chris Hoke, who started 10 games in 2004 when Hampton sustained a season-ending knee injury.
"I like to think we don't lose a lot," Hoke said.
"But, we all know Casey takes up guys, he clogs up the middle, and does a good job of playing nose tackle."
Meantime, outside linebacker Clark Haggans (ankle/questionable) returned to practice and will start at left outside linebacker. He will be joined by Joey Porter, who missed the past two games with a hamstring injury.
"It's a go" for Big Ben on sunday..Hampton doubtful
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Originally Posted by AZ_Steeler
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