Ben Will Start Tonight

**SteelDad** · 12-19-2011, 08:38 AM

According to the PG, Ben will go tonight.

SAN FRANCISCO -- Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is expected to start tonight against the San Francisco 49ers -- and the decision had nothing to with the Baltimore Ravens' loss Sunday night in San Diego that put the Steelers back in control of the AFC North Division.

The Steelers reached the decision to start Roethlisberger before the Ravens' 34-14 loss to the Chargers, which means the Steelers win the division title and get a first-round playoff bye if they win their remaining three games.

Roethlisberger has a Grade I ankle sprain and didn't practice until Saturday, and even then on a limited basis. But he moved around well enough to convince the coaches and medical staff he is able to play.

The Steelers clinched a playoff spot Sunday because of any loss by one of four teams -- the Titans, Jets, Raiders and Broncos. All four lost Sunday.

Gerry Dulac: gdulac@post-gazette.com; twitter: @gerrydulac.

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11353...#ixzz1gzIBuAxx

**steelchamp204** · 12-19-2011, 08:39 AM

I figured he would, no big suprise

**coldrolled** · 12-19-2011, 09:29 AM

49ers are a run stopping team, we need to play them like brady would. short pass them to death.

PHI Michael Vick: 416 Yds and Romo were the best qb's they played
Dal Romo 307 yards
Ari John Skelton had 280 yards

Ben will be the best QB they play this year so far.

**Stairwayto7** · 12-19-2011, 09:56 AM

Ben would NOT sit this out!

**SteelDad** · 12-19-2011, 10:28 AM

49ers are a run stopping team, we need to play them like brady would. short pass them to death.

Nail on the head brother.

**connecticutsteel** · 12-19-2011, 10:41 AM

Is a grade 1 sprain the worst or the lightest sprain?

they were a good run stopping team with Pat Willis but he's hurt so we should test the run

**DIESELMAN** · 12-19-2011, 11:03 AM

Originally Posted by connecticutsteel

Is a grade 1 sprain the worst or the lightest sprain?

they were a good run stopping team with Pat Willis but he's hurt so we should test the run

Grade I is the less severe, grade III is the worst.

**BlitzburghRockCity** · 12-19-2011, 11:56 AM

I'm not convinced the Steelers can beat the 49ers without Ben. No question he plays tonight and if you can get the win, you can rest Ben if need be the last 2 games against the Rams and Browns. You can beat those teams with Batch or Dixon but you need Ben tonight.

Dink and Dunk, get rid of the ball, keep their defense on the field and get out of San Fran with a win.