The General
Footballguy
This is a really bad situation for people still alive in the playoffs. Want to see how others are handling this and have a place for latest updates - especially from Pittsburgh homers.
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Big Ben (2 Viewers)
- Thread starter The General
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need2know
Footballguy
been hoping to hear something positive before sunday. my only other option is carson palmer who looks like garbage. I think I will drop palmer for locker or yates and play one of them if nothing is heard. at least their matchups are nice and they are playing well. if its a GTD, I dont know how you can risk playing charlie batch
The General
Footballguy
Worst case scenario is that he doesn't practice all week but Tomlin will not rule him out. Then owners pretty much have to start someone else. On top of that Batch starting pretty much kills Wallace and Brown's value as well. What a mess.
need2know
Footballguy
if you can get a locker(assuming he does start) or yates it may be a better play even if Ben does play. remaining schedules: Yates plays CAR and then @IND. Locker plays @IND, then JAX at home. Pretty nice schedules. which one would you rather start between those two? I am starting to lean towards sitting ben regardess based on him being banged up and SF not giving up many points...
ThaPenguin
Footballguy
Don't have a link, but I have read that it is pretty much confirmed that Ben will not practice at all, and will be listed questionable. Believe Tomlin said so in his presser.
UnderDawgs
Footballguy
I have Ben and A Brown in the playoffs. No backup QB either. Ugh.
Godsbrother
Footballguy
Can you pick up Charlie Batch? No I am not joking!!!!I am thinking that Ben is going to play but he may be listed as a GTD and if the Ravens win the Steelers may err on the side of caution. If you have no other starting QB on the WW might as well pick up Batch as insurance, no?
need2know
Footballguy
yuck I would rather play Locker or Yates
The Chicken Roaster
Footballguy
I thought they (Tomlin?) said Ben has to practice in order to play?
He was still in a walking boot today, but don't place too much pessimism on that news. If he's not going to practice anyway, he might as well be in a boot.
I'm sure the Steelers are focusing on Friday. If he's a participant in Friday's practice, he'll play Monday. If not, well, who knows.
He was still in a walking boot today, but don't place too much pessimism on that news. If he's not going to practice anyway, he might as well be in a boot.
I'm sure the Steelers are focusing on Friday. If he's a participant in Friday's practice, he'll play Monday. If not, well, who knows.
Construction Man Jim
Footballguy
It's a really tough call.
I expect he will play. But the risk of re-injury scares me. And I'm not sure there's enough upside to warrant waiting/ gambling on Monday.
I was able to pick up Sanchez recently. And also have Palmer. Locker is still available and I think worthy of consideration. I don't like Batch better than any of those options.
Right now I'm leaning towards starting Sanchez as he seems like the safest option. I don't feel good about Palmer who almost cost me my match up last week. Locker is a very intriguing wild card because I see some upside there.
I expect he will play. But the risk of re-injury scares me. And I'm not sure there's enough upside to warrant waiting/ gambling on Monday.
I was able to pick up Sanchez recently. And also have Palmer. Locker is still available and I think worthy of consideration. I don't like Batch better than any of those options.
Right now I'm leaning towards starting Sanchez as he seems like the safest option. I don't feel good about Palmer who almost cost me my match up last week. Locker is a very intriguing wild card because I see some upside there.
need2know
Footballguy
locker @ IND sounds great. Hasslebeck might start though....
UnderDawgs
Footballguy
I'm on board with Locker if Hasslebeck is out. It's the waiting that's killing me.
The General
Footballguy
How does a Ravens win impact the Steelers in terms of the post season? I haven't been able to follow this closely.Is there any scenario that means the Steelers game on MNF doesn't really matter in terms of their playoff standings?'Godsbrother said:
The General
Footballguy
Same boat here. Even worse is I have to roll out Antonio Brown as well because of Greg Jennings. If Orton plays he might not be awful.'UnderDawgs said:
Stompin' Tom Connors
Footballguy
Avoiding the mess and pulling Sanchez off my bench. That's a better choice than most, I know -- but actually I think a guy like Ponder or Locker could do better than Sanchez this week.
unckeyherb
Footballguy
What impact does Ben not playing have on mendy's production? Thoughts?
The General
Footballguy
I would think it would go from already being bad to being really, really bad.
No-the Steelers need to win one more game than the Ravens to win the division. Even if the Ravens win on Sunday, the Steelers will still need to win to stay tied with them, and hope the Ravens lose one of their last 2 (Cle, Cincy). The Steelers CAN NOT afford to sit players who are healthy, regardless of what the result of the Ravens game is.
The General
Footballguy
Thats good info, can't see Ben sitting. People say he hollywood's his injuries so really hoping that's the case here.
same boat, sanchez is my backup. And i have wallace.I recall batch playing well last year, so wallace could still be the beneficiary again.Tomlin did say ben has to practice, so we should know more come Friday.I know he missed practice today.Eta. Ben plays darn well when he is beat up. My gut call is that he plays
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This is a tough one and sucks that its MNF. I think unless we hear something great, I will have to start someone else (a flex spot for me). Roethlisberger healthy has been starting all year for me, but the chance of a donut is too much.
The funny thing is that I kind of take a different angle on the Ravens and no Steelers sitting. If the Ravens beat San Diego, there is a great chance that the Steelers have no shot at winning the division or a bye. The Steelers would then only have to beat St. Louis and Cleveland the last two weeks to ensure a home game in week 1 of the playoffs.
If I am Tomlin, I would much rather have a healthy Big Ben in the playoffs and not have a bye than take a risk at injuring him even worse and still not having a bye. If Roethlisberger gets hurt in the SF game, there could be a chance that they lose one of the last two and somehow lose a tie breaker (have no idea on who owns it) to the Jets and have to be on the road in all the playoff games.
The more I think about it, I could easily see them resting him to ensure his health during the playoffs because there is a good chance with a Ravens wins over SD that Pittsburgh has no real shot at a bye anyway.
The funny thing is that I kind of take a different angle on the Ravens and no Steelers sitting. If the Ravens beat San Diego, there is a great chance that the Steelers have no shot at winning the division or a bye. The Steelers would then only have to beat St. Louis and Cleveland the last two weeks to ensure a home game in week 1 of the playoffs.
If I am Tomlin, I would much rather have a healthy Big Ben in the playoffs and not have a bye than take a risk at injuring him even worse and still not having a bye. If Roethlisberger gets hurt in the SF game, there could be a chance that they lose one of the last two and somehow lose a tie breaker (have no idea on who owns it) to the Jets and have to be on the road in all the playoff games.
The more I think about it, I could easily see them resting him to ensure his health during the playoffs because there is a good chance with a Ravens wins over SD that Pittsburgh has no real shot at a bye anyway.
Dragon1952
Footballguy
No way Big Ben doesn't play. They'll wrap that sucker up and numb it up..whatever they have to do. This is way too important of a game and he's a trooper. If he could come back in the 2nd H last week he can play 10 days later.
knowledge dropper
Footballguy
He will play, but if his OL does not man up he may not make it through the game. SF pass rush will maul him with his lack of mobility
This is a bad take.1-Unless I'm mistaken, the NFL did not change the rule giving home field to division winners, not based on record. So the Steelers WILL NOT get a home game as a WC (unless all the division winners are beaten).2-The Ravens can win this week, and still lose in week 17 against Cincy (they'll probably have no difficulty winning against Cle in week 16), but if the Steelers were to "rest" healthy players against SF (because Balt had already won), they'd be unable to take advantage of a Ravens (potential) loss in week 17. They won't do this to themselves.So, unless I'm mistaken about home field going to the division winners, the idea of Tomlin resting a healthy Roethlisberger is ill-conceived.
Godsbrother
Footballguy
You are correct about #1. If the Steelers do not win the division then they will not host a playoff game unless they play the other wildcard team (and assuming they are the higher seed). I was not suggesting that Tomlin would rest a healthy Roethlisberger -- that is silly. However the situation is that Roethlisberger is not healthy. He has a fracture in his hand and a high ankle sprain. He has not been able to practice, even in a limited fashion, and is in a walking boot. He will likely practice on Friday but he is not going to be 100% healthy. The question is how healthy is he? If he is a little sore then they tape him up, shoot him up and he plays regardless of the Ravens game.But if he is immobile, which is basically where he was last week, and the Ravens beat the Chargers I don't the Steelers risk further injury by putting him out there. Now if the Ravens lose and the division championship is up for grabs then I think the Steelers would roll with a gimpy Ben.
I know he is not going to be 100% healthy. What I meant was: if he is healthy enough to play (if the Ravens lose), I believe he'll still play even if the Ravens win. Basically, I don't believe the Ravens game will have any bearing on whether he plays or not.I could be wrong, but that's the way I see it.
Godsbrother
Footballguy
And you may be right. Hopefully the Ravens lose and it won't be an issue.
Hipple Long Ware & Peete
Footballguy
FWIW someone on sportscenter just described the ankle injury as a far more serious one (it was a voiceover as they were showing a CGI ankle so I don't know who it was). Mentioned "ligament damage" and said that the injury is normally at least 2 and sometimes six weeks. Said he's hearing there is a 'good chance' he doesn't play. 
Hipple Long Ware & Peete
Footballguy
Fwiw here is the link for aforementioned video clip.
and the "guy" is Dr. Michael Kaplan. I'm guessing he's an orthapedist?
and the "guy" is Dr. Michael Kaplan. I'm guessing he's an orthapedist?
Hipple Long Ware & Peete
Footballguy
link to Dr. Bramel's second opinion
looks like our Dr. agrees with their dr. might have to look elsewhere this week.
looks like our Dr. agrees with their dr. might have to look elsewhere this week.
The General
Footballguy
Well that didn't sound good. If the story keeps progressing like it has - Ben doesn't practice, still listed as questionable, Ben or Tomlin don't give some indication that he will go - I don't see how anyone can roll with him on Monday night unless your plan is to put in Alex Smith or Charlie Batch when it is officially announced.This sucks.
steelcityman
Footballguy
Ben will play, huge game for steelers, he can sit vs St lou next week. Plus, he played in the game he got hurt, and has the mildest sprain(grade 1). Pouncey will play too. Now, no one knows if either will last the whole game, but if I had $1 left, I would bet Ben starts.
Grahamburn
Footballguy
Agree with this. There's no way I count on him if he can't practice on it at all this week.'thehornet said:
Why play against a tougher D and sit against St. Louis? Why not play against St. Louis and get a guaranteed win. Batch against St. Louis isn't a guaranteed win.I still think Baltimore beating San Diego could be huge, which is why I really think I am going to sit him unless there is real good news before Sunday's games. If Baltimore wins, the Steelers would probably be smart resting him. The Ravens are in the driver's seat for the division and I think they have an easy win against Cleveland. So, the Steelers have to balance losing Big Ben for part of the playoffs if he injures the ankle worse versus hoping that the Ravens (assuming they beat SD) lose to Cincinnati. Playing odds, I would rest him and make sure he is healthy for the playoffs. Problem for us fantasy folks is that unless you want to be stuck starting Alex Smith against Pitt or Charlie Batch, you won't know if the Ravens are going to lose until after everyone else isn't available to play.I think I would rather get something than risk a 0.
sspunisher
Footballguy
Pretty risky with the whole injury on Monday night. He has a good track record though.
Grahamburn
Footballguy
From Stephania Bell's fantasy chat:
I hadn't seen the bolded yet.
Here is from KFFL
(KFFL) Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger (ankle) is not expected to practice Friday, Dec. 16, and is aiming to take part in practice Saturday, Dec. 17. Roethlisberger said his ankle currently feels worse than it during the team's Week 14 game. "The second half of that game you were playing off adrenaline, you were playing off emotion," Roethlisberger said. "The next couple days after that I just shook my head because I don't know how - I couldn't have done it; I don't know how I did. It's amazing what adrenaline and wanting to be out there for your guys does."
(KFFL) Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger (ankle) is not expected to practice Friday, Dec. 16, and is aiming to take part in practice Saturday, Dec. 17. Roethlisberger said his ankle currently feels worse than it during the team's Week 14 game. "The second half of that game you were playing off adrenaline, you were playing off emotion," Roethlisberger said. "The next couple days after that I just shook my head because I don't know how - I couldn't have done it; I don't know how I did. It's amazing what adrenaline and wanting to be out there for your guys does."
The_Man
Footballguy
I have so much respect for Roethlisberger's toughness, but I hate the way he always seems to be calling attention to it. Kind of like the way I respect Ray Lewis's leadership, but it's like nails on a chalkboard to hear him talk about what a great leader he is.For the record, I think he plays Monday because he's too damn tough to sit. And because the Steelers have become such a passing team that they would be lost without him.
Grahamburn
Footballguy
I guess we'll get a little more concrete information Saturday then. If he practices we can expect him to play.
Stompin' Tom Connors
Footballguy
My gut feeling is that I think he'll play gimpy and try to tough it out, but be ineffective in doing so. The new news about a special boot, and the fact that he's not at least improving going into the weekend is not ideal.
It's the playoffs, and a MNF game, and a critical FF position. I would LOVE to see Big Ben go out and tear it up and show again what a warrior he can be. But as far as my FF team, I'm playing it safe and looking ofr a QB with a similar floor/ceiling.
Sanchez was that guy, but I'm looking VERY hard at Locker. Any updates on Hasselbeck?
It's the playoffs, and a MNF game, and a critical FF position. I would LOVE to see Big Ben go out and tear it up and show again what a warrior he can be. But as far as my FF team, I'm playing it safe and looking ofr a QB with a similar floor/ceiling.
Sanchez was that guy, but I'm looking VERY hard at Locker. Any updates on Hasselbeck?
Matt Hasselbeck (calf, questionable) practiced again on Friday and is expected to start Sunday's game at Indianapolis.Both the Nashville Tennessean and Titan Insider are reporting that Hasselbeck will start and Jake Locker will have to continue to wait, even if the rookie might already be the Titans' best option. Expect a run-heavy mindset from the Titans, featuring Chris Johnson against the Colts' 30th-ranked rush defense. The Tennessee passing game has been considerably less explosive when Hasselbeck has been under center, as compared to Locker. Anybody stressing the Rex Grossman option with me?
Apple Jack
Footballguy
Who am I sitting him for? Let us pray.
UnderDawgs
Footballguy
I have Yates, Flacco, Freeman, Grossman, Sanchez, Locker and Web on my (still open) WW and still can't make up my mind. I have to make myself snap out of it!
