Game plan all about Big Ben vs. Lions

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said Ben Roethlisberger’s participation in a preseason game Saturday against the Detroit Lions at Heinz Field will depend upon “what transpires in-stadium,” but there is not a preconceived plan to play third-string quarterback Dwayne Haskins with the starters.

There has been some speculation the Steelers might want to see Haskins play against better competition. Haskins has played well in his first two outings, but he has played with and against mostly secondand third-teamers.

“Not in this particular instance, no,” Tomlin said, when asked if there would be an emphasis on getting Haskins to play with the starters. “The emphasis for this outing is getting Ben his first in-stadium exposure in the preseason.”

Tomlin did not divulge his plans for the quarterbacks after Roethlisberger exits the game, so Haskins could get that opportunity. Roethlisberger is likely to play just a few series, while Tomlin strongly hinted the starting offensive line would play deeper into the game.

Defensively, Tomlin said newly acquired linebacker Joe Schobert will play with the starters in his first game since arriving from Jacksonville in a trade.

“We’re going to play him with the first group,” Tomlin said. “I don’t know that it’s needed to play him any more [than that]. He’s proven quickly his football intellect is on a professional level. He’s adapting quickly and gaining the detail.

“Playing with people and communicating and working to play together is something that will be continually addressed with him. It’s not going to get solved on Saturday night. We’re going to give him some game exposure and go from there.”

— By Ray Fittipaldo