NASHVILLE, TN – OCTOBER 25: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers throws a pass in the second half of a game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on October 25, 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Steelers defeated the Titans 27-24. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
Big Ben is on track to play against the Bengals
After Roethlisberger came in contact with Steelers tight end Vance McDonald, who contracted the COVID-19 virus, he was forced to sit out most of the week of practice leading up to Pittsburgh’s Week 10 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. On Saturday morning, Roethlisberger was activated off of the COVID-19 list, and is expected to start on Sunday.
Roethlisberger is dealing with multiple nagging injuries, so an unplanned bye week wouldn’t have been the worst thing. However, Pittsburgh remains undefeated on the season, and Roethlisberger would rather keep it that way. With the Bengals and Joe Burrow coming to town in what could be a surprisingly tough test, the Steelers need Big Ben to solidify their stance as heavy favorites.
Will the Steelers rebound from a “too close for comfort” win over the lowly Cowboys?
The Steelers played poorly for the majority of their Week 9 win over the Dallas Cowboys in Jerryworld. Even Roethlisberger and the Steelers offense failed to get much going in the first half against arguably the worst defense in all of football. While Pittsburgh was able to turn things on late and flex their muscles for a close win, they won’t be so lucky against superior competition.
The Bengals record might not suggest it, but Burrow has this Cincinnati team on the rise, especially offensively. In his first start against the Steelers, Mike Tomlin and Co. are getting a sneak peak at what they have to look forward to in the AFC North for at least the next half-decade.
Having Roethlisberger in tow should make matters easier on Sunday in Pittsburgh, but by no means is this a sure victory.