The Pittsburgh Steelers are leaving the door open for Ben Roethlisberger to play Sunday versus the Kansas City Chiefs.
Big Ben is officially listed as questionable for Sunday's tilt with an MCL sprain and bone bruise.
Mike Vick was ruled out with a hamstring injury.
Roethlisberger was limited in practice this week while testing out his knee. He's missed the past three games due to the injury suffered in Week 3.
Big Ben's toughness is legendary, so if playing though pain is the only factor he could see the field. However, if his lateral agility is compromised he'll sit out another week rather than face a Chiefs pass rush led by Pro Bowler Justin Houston.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported last week that Roethlisberger was a longshot to face the Chiefs this weekend, which marks the beginning of the window for his potential return after suffering the injuries in Week 3 -- a four-to-six-week rehab diagnosis. He's more likely to play in Week 8.
Mike Tomlin said this week the Steelers were proceeding under the assumption that Landry Jones would make his first career start. In his first pro action in Week 6, Jones completed 8 of 12 passes for 168 yards, two touchdowns, zero interceptions and led scoring drives on his four full possessions (two touchdowns, two field goals.).
Jones' stats were buoyed by an 88-yard catch and run touchdown by Martavis Bryant off a short pass. The Steelers' offensive playbook seemed more open in the brief time with the third-year signal-caller under center than it did with Vick at the helm.
The Steelers don't have a fourth quarterback on the active roster for backup purposes if Big Ben is eventually ruled out. Tyler Murphy is on the practice squad.
