Steelers likely to face Ravens without Green

TE’s emergence key in Pittsburgh’s rise to top of AFC North.

The previous time Ben Roethlisberger, Le’Veon Bell and Antonio Brown were in uniform together for the Steelers at Heinz Field against the Ravens, Roethlisberger threw for 340 yards and six touchdowns in a 43-23 romp midway through the 2014 season.

It’s still Pittsburgh’s only vic tory in the past seven meetings between the two teams that will meet in the de facto AFC North title game Christmas night, a rare blowout in a series dominated by taut defensive struggles usually decided by a kicker.

Bell missed Baltimore’s win in the wild-card round later that season with a knee injury. Roethlisberger sat out an overtime setback in 2015 with a knee issue.

Their knees are fine this time around. The issue might be finding some help, particularly for Brown. Pittsburgh’s receiving corps is hurting.

Sammie Coates is still dealing with two broken fingers on his left hand and was limited in practice on Thursday with a hamstring issue.

Tight end Ladarius Green is likely out after being put in the concussion protocol following a helmet-to-helmet hit in the fourth quarter last Sunday in Cincinnati. Darrius Heyward-Bey is nearing his return from a foot injury, but still hasn’t caught a pass in two months.

The Steelers (9-5) have ripped off five straight wins thanks in part to Green’s emergence as a deep threat to complement Brown.

G r e e n i s a v e r a g i n g a healthy 16.9 yards per catch since coming off the physically unable to perform list against Dallas last month, but who knows how long he might be out after getting drilled on a 28-yard reception in the fourth quarter against the Bengals.

The options appear to be dwindling. Eli Rogers is primarily a possession receiver and Cobi Hamilton is a practice squad graduate.

S t i l l , R o e t h l i s b e r g e r remains confident with a playoff spot on the line and an archrival coming to town.

“We’ve got other guys that have been here all year doing this stuff,” Roethlisberger said. “So we’ll have to count on them if (Green) is not ready to go.”

Rams: Rookie quarterback Jared Goff will start Saturday’s game against the 49ers after clearing the NFL’s concussion protocol, interim coach John Fassel said.

Packers: Linebacker Clay Matthews said his left shoulder injury is improving, and that he hopes to get more snaps in Saturday’s game against the Vikings.

Falcons: Coach Dan Quinn said star wide receiver Julio Jones will play Saturday at Carolina after missing two games with a toe sprain.

Browns: Two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Joe Haden revealed that he has been battling two groin injuries for several weeks and that he will undergo surgeries shortly after the season finale against Pittsburgh.

Bills: Left tackle Cordy Glenn (back) is uncertain heading into Saturday’s game against Miami. Cyrus Kouandjio appears likely to start in Glenn’s place.

Thursday’s game

(At) Eagles 24, Giants 19: New York will have to wait a while to make the playoffs.

M a l c o l m J e n k i n s h a d the second t wo-intercep - tion game of his eight-year career, returning one for a touchdown, and Philadelphia snapped a five-game slide by beating the Giants. The loss handed Dallas the NFC East title — and homefield advantage throughout the conference playoffs.

It also put the Giants (105) in a more difficult spot for ending their four-season playoff drought. They still own the top wild-card position heading into their finale at Washington.

Carson Wentz threw a touchdown pass to Nelson Agholor, then returned from being examined for a concussion in the fourth quarter to guide a drive to Caleb Sturgis’ 41-yard field goal.

After New York’s Robbie Gould made his fourth field goal, Philadelphia (5-9) held on downs with just under two minutes remaining.

The Giants got the ball back with 1:31 left and Terrence Brooks intercepted to clinch it with 5 seconds to go.