Steelers don’t shut door on Big Ben
Third-string QB Jones likely to start; Mariota ruled out.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are leaving the door open — if only slightly — for Ben Roethlisberger to play Sunday at Kansas City. The quarterback is officially listed as questionable for Sunday’s game with an MCL sprain and bone bruise.
Backup 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 because of the injury suffered in Week 3.
Coach Mike Tomlin said this week the Steelers were proceeding under the assumption that third-stringer Landry Jones would make his first career start.
Titans: Rookie quarterback Marcus Mariota will not play against Atlanta as he recovers from a sprained MCL in his left knee. Zach Mettenberger will start. Coach Ken Whisenhunt said Friday that Mariota has been ruled out after missing practice all week and that the rookie’s knee has not quite healed.
Cowboys: Dez Bryant didn’t participate in practice Friday and is officially listed as doubtful for the Cowboys’ game against the Giants on Sunday. The star receiver has been sidelined since Dallas’ season opener after fracturing the fifth metatarsal bone in his right foot.
Chargers: Tight end Antonio Gates suffered a left MCL sprain during last week’s loss to the Packers and is listed as questionable to play against the Raiders. He did not practice all week and considers himself to be a game-time decision.
Safety Eric Weddle will miss his first game since 2009 because of a groin injury, ending a streak of 86 consecutive starts.
Chiefs: Wide receiver Jeremy Maclin has passed the league’s concussion protocol and should be available for Sunday’s game against the Steelers.
Texans: Outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game at Miami because of an ankle injury. Clowney sat out against Jacksonville last Sunday, marking the 13th game he has missed in two seasons.
Giants: Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. is questionable for Sunday’s game against the Cowboys. Beckham has been battling a nagging hamstring injury. Cornerback Prince Amukamara has been ruled out with a partially torn pectoral.
Browns: Cornerback Joe Haden (concussion) will miss his second consecutive game when the Browns visit St. Louis.
Redskins: Cornerbacks DeAngelo Hall (toe) and Chris Culliver, receiver DeSean Jackson (hamstring) and center Kory Lichtensteiger (thumb) will miss Sunday’s game against the Buccaneers because of injuries.
Lions: Linebacker DeAndre Levy (hip) and tight end Brandon Pettigrew (knee) will miss Detroit’s game against Minnesota on Sunday.
Jets: Are expected to have cornerback Buster Skrine (concussion) back in their secondary against Tom Brady and the Patriots on Sunday. Skrine was listed as probable.
49ers: Safety Antoine Bethea was placed on season-ending injured reserve with a shoulder injury suffered in Thursday night’s 20-3 loss to Seattle.