Ben Roethlisberger Returns To Practice, Expected To Play Sunday

Regardless of what actually happened in the Steelers‘ game last Sunday, Pittsburgh fans will be relieved to know that Ben Roethlisberger should be under center as usual this weekend.

The quarterback took a big hit from the Seahawks‘ Michael Bennett. Although he said the blow made his eyes watery and affected his peripheral vision, Roethlesberger stayed in the game for the next nine plays. He then reported the symptoms to the team.

While he was told that he didn’t have a concussion on Sunday, the Steelers later confirmed that their signal caller was undergoing the NFL’s concussion protocol. Regardless, Roethlisberger returned to practice on Wednesday and took his full set of reps. The only change was that he was wearing a new face mask; according to receiver Antonio Brown, the quarterback’s previous one was bent inward by the force of Bennett’s hit.

Given the fact that back-up Landry Jones also took his regular second team reps, all systems appear to be go for Big Ben to start on Sunday. Pittsburgh will face the Indianapolis Colts in prime time and will need to keep winning in order to make the playoffs as a wild card.

Photo: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers passes the ball during a football game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on November 29, 2015 in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks won the game 39-30. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)