Is Roethlisberger’s return on horizon?

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger practiced in a limited capacity Monday, just two weeks after undergoing surgery to repair the meniscus cartilage in his left knee.

Whether Roethlisberger is healthy enough to start under center when the Steelers visit their rival Baltimore Ravens on Sunday remains to be seen.

Still, Roethlisberger, who did not speak to reporters after practice, initially was expected to miss four to six weeks after the surgery, but he could return earlier than expected.

Teammates confirmed that Roethlisberger practiced some with the first team and scout team. He also participated in 7-on-7 drills and ran the nohuddle offense during the team’s competition period.

“From what I saw, it was very encouraging,” offensive lineman Marcus Gilbert said. “He threw the ball and he moved around in the pocket pretty good.”

If Roethlisberger can’t go, fourth-year veteran Landry Jones likely will start.

Browns acquire Collins from Pats

Winless Cleveland acquired linebacker Jamie Collins from New England one day before the NFL’s trade deadline.

Collins has been one of the Patriots’ better defensive players for more than three seasons, but his rookie contract ends after this season. The Patriots will get a conditional thirdround selection for Collins, 27.

Collins (6-3, 250) missed one game this season with a hip injury. He has 43 combined tackles and two interceptions.

Odds and ends

Arizona said left tackle Jared Veldheer will be placed on injured reserve with a torn triceps and safety/cornerback Tyrann Mathieu will be out three to six weeks with a shoulder injury after both were injured in Sunday’s 30-20 loss at Carolina. Coach Bruce Arians said John Wetzel will move into Veldheer’s spot. The Cardinals had lost starting right guard Evan Mathis to a season-ending ankle injury. Mathieu was working his way back to his old All-Pro form after undergoing knee surgery in the offseason . ... Wide receiver Josh Gordon has finished his recent 30-day rehabilitation stay, a person with knowledge of the situation told the the Associated Press. Gordon is suspended indefinitely by the NFL and remains tied to the Cleveland Browns, who have said they have moved on from Gordon.