Steelers’ Big Ben, Watt may play vs. Chargers
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and outside linebacker T.J. Watt will both have an opportunity to play, while safety Minkah Fitzpatrick is expected to miss Sunday’s road game against the Chargers.
Roethlisberger entered the NFL’s reserve/COVID-19 protocol on Saturday night after testing positive and he missed Sunday’s tie with the Detroit Lions. Coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday that Roethlisberger has a chance to play, but the Steelers are currently preparing to start backup quarterback Mason Rudolph.
Watt left in the third quarter of Sunday’s game with hip and knee injuries and did not return. Fitzpatrick played on Sunday, but he joined Roethlisberger on the COVID-19 list on Monday.
“We don’t anticipate him coming back,” Tomlin said of Fitzpatrick.
Tomlin said that Roethlisberger could play, provided he gets the required negative COVID-19 testing to be available. He is virtually participating in meetings this week.
“If we get to a point where Ben has an opportunity to get on a moving train, that’s exactly what he’ll do,” Tomlin
Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger may play against the Chargers.
said.
Until then, Tomlin said the Steelers intend to build their game plan around Rudolph, who completed 30 of 50 passes for 242 yards with a touchdown and an interception on Sunday against Detroit.
Bell waived by Ravens after minimal impact
The Baltimore Ravens waived running back Le’Veon Bell on Tuesday.
Bell was one of three veterans the Ravens picked up after losing running backs J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards to preseason injuries. Baltimore also brought in Latavius Murray and Devonta Freeman, and Bell had the fewest carries of the three even though Murray has missed the past three games with an ankle injury.
The 29-year-old Bell rushed for 83 yards on 31 carries for the Ravens. He did run for two touchdowns.
“This hurt, but it’s been a blessing to be here to say the least,” Bell said on Twitter. “I’ve enjoyed every second of this short period.”
Packers grab No. 1 spot in AP Pro32 poll
The Pack are back.
Aaron Rodgers’ return helped lift the Green Bay Packers four places to the top spot of the latest AP Pro32 poll.
Rodgers missed the Packers’ Week 9 loss in Kansas City after testing positive for COVID-19. However, the reigning MVP returned for Sunday’s 17-0 victory over the Seattle Seahawks.
The Packers received six of the 12 first-place votes for 378 points in balloting Tuesday by media members who regularly cover the NFL.
“Defense coming on and (running back) A.J. Dillon packs a power punch, won without Rodgers throwing a TD,” Fox Sports’ John Czarnecki said.
The surging Tennessee Titans, who have won six in a row, got the remaining six first-place votes for 375 points to remain in second place.