Broncos vs. Steelers: Ben Roethlisberger Expected to Start

Jan 9, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) throws a pass during the third quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) throws a pass during the third quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Broncos Ben Roethlisberger
Jan 9, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) throws a pass during the third quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

The Pittsburgh Steelers will travel to Denver with Ben Roethlisberger on board. The signal caller is expected to start against the Broncos.

The Broncos and Steelers are set to face off on Sunday. And it appears that quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will be taking on Peyton Manning in the game after all.

On Saturday, ESPN’s Sal Paolantonio reported that Roethlisberger will make the trip to Denver and is expected to start in Sunday’s divisional round game. It was also reported that he will be evaluated by the Pittsburgh medical staff on Sunday morning.

The word is that he responded well after Friday’s practice, but is still dealing with the AC joint sprain and torn ligaments in his shoulder.

With the injury, even with cortisone shots, it will be challenging for him to get anything going as far as throwing at full strength. I am a bit surprised that Roethlisberger is going to take the field. However, he has been noted for his toughness in his career.

The Broncos said that they were prepared to go up against Roethlisberger, and it appears that they can execute their game plan with him on the field. Either way, we know he won’t be at 100%. In fact, I think he will be far behind that.

With Antonio Brown and DeAngelo Williams out for the game, I will be keeping a close eye on how the Broncos attack on defense. I believe Wade Phillips has the entire playbook to work with. And he will do his part.

As far as Roethlisberger is concerned, I do not think this is a smart move by him or the Steelers having him play in this game. His shoulder could get to the point that it becomes career threatening.

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I also am wondering if the Steelers took precautionary steps and had Landry Jones take a few more first team reps. With Roethlisberger out of practice Wednesday, I know that was one day that he did. But should he have gotten more reps?

Well, it appears we shall find out how this game plays out on Sunday. As I have been saying all week, I do not think it is a good idea to have a banged up Roethlisberger on the field. But we shall see how he does. Go Broncos!