Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was limited in practice Friday, while safety Troy Polamalu and center Maurkice Pouncey sat out.
Roethlisberger has been nursing a sprained left ankle he injured last week against Cleveland. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin and offensive coordinator Bruce Arians both said they'd like Roethlisberger to practice at least once before they decide whether he'll play Monday at San Francisco. He sat out three straight practices before participating Friday.
Roethlisberger has "a shot" to practice Saturday, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. If he can't go, he isn't expected to play against the 49ers.
If Roethlisberger is ruled out, 37-year-old Charlie Batch will start. Roethlisberger, who has not missed a start due to injury in more than two years, was not available to the media.
Roethlisberger told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review on Thursday that he was getting nonstop treatment, adding "I'm going to do everything I can to be out there. I don't know if it's my decision. If it was just a matter of pain, I'd be out there. I'm physically unable to do certain things."
Along with Polamalu (hamstring) and Pouncey (ankle), linebacker Chris Carter (hamstring) and wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (foot) also did not practice. Polamalu is expected to play vs. the 49ers.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
