Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger on Saturday will see his first game action since he was suspended for as many as six games by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell during the offseason.
Steelers offensive coordinator Bruce Arians told The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that Roethlisberger will play against the New York Giants. Roethlisberger practiced with the first team Monday, so there is a strong chance he will start.
"I hope I get in," Roethlisberger said. "I'm not sure when. I'll take any time."
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin confirmed Tuesday on NFL Network's "NFL Total Access" that Roethlisberger will play against the Giants, but he wouldn't commit to how much time he would get nor if the quarterback will start.
"We intend to play him this week," Tomlin said. "Haven't decided how much. But it's time to give me some work."
Roethlisberger didn't play during the Steelers' preseason opener against the Detroit Lions last Saturday night at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh.
Goodell met with Roethlisberger while visiting Steelers training camp earlier this month, but, while saying the quarterback is going beyond what the league has mandated, didn't cut his suspension for bad behavior to four games.
The NFL will continue to monitor Roethlisberger's progress before he and Goodell meet in New York later this month and the commissioner makes a final decision on how long the Steelers star will be out. A reduction would allow Roethlisberger to return to the field Oct. 17 at home against the Cleveland Browns rather than Oct. 31 on the road against the New Orleans Saints.