Ben Roethlisberger is one of the toughest players in the NFL, so it wouldn't be a surprise if the quarterback started on Sunday despite dealing with rib and shoulder injuries.
Roethlisberger practiced in a limited capacity on Thursday and while it is unlikely that he will start, it is not impossible.
"There's always a chance," Roethlisberger said to the Associated Press.
The quarterback has been dealing with a injuries the past two weeks after suffering a dislocated rib and sprained shoulder in Pittsburgh's 16-13 overtime win against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Roethlisberger hurt his shoulder after getting tackled by Chiefs linebacker Tamba Hali and has missed the past two games, both losses by the Steelers. The team lost 13-10 to the Ravens with Byron Leftwich starting, but he also got injured, leaving Charlie Batch to play in Pittsburgh's 20-14 loss to Cleveland on Sunday.
"Can I put a lot of zip on the ball, throw it really hard before people like Ed Reed and defenders can get to the ball?" Roethlisberger said to the Associated Press. "If I can't I'm not putting us in the best situation to win the game."
This season Roethlisberger has thrown for 2,287 yards and 17 touchdowns with just four interceptions. The team has the 15th ranked passing attack, but has been hamstrung without Roethlisberger.
Pittsburgh is 6-5 after two-straight losses and is at risk of losing to the AFC North-rival Ravens for the second time in two weeks.
According to ESPN.com, "Since Ben Roethlisberger's rookie season in 2004, the Steelers are 0-6 against the Ravens when he doesn't start at quarterback and 9-4 when he does."
In the past, Roethlisberger has rushed back from injuries, but is trying to take a more cautious approach this year. Last season he hurt his ankle and returned to play in a 20-3 loss to San Francisco, but was forced to miss the next week after re-aggravating the injury.
"We've had people talk about last year in San Francisco, if I would have rested maybe I would have been better off the next couple games, but to me, I live for the here and now," he said. "I'm going to do everything I can to be out there and if it doesn't work then I'll do what I can about the next week."
Roethlisberger didn't practice much on Thursday, although offensive coordinator Todd Haley said that he threw "a little bit." Batch will start the game for the Steelers if Roethlisberger cannot play. Against the Browns last week, the Steelers turned the ball over eight times, while Batch threw for just 199 yards and three interceptions.
"I don't think there's any limitations to what Chuck can do," Haley said to the Associated Press, "or needs to do with the guys we have."
The Ravens will not be worried on Sunday about who will line up at quarterback.
"We really don't care who lines up at quarterback," Baltimore safety Bernard Pollard said. "For us, it's a game that's going to be physical. They're going to try to win whoever's under center. If Ben plays, I know what kind of competitor he is. This guy is probably one of the strongest quarterbacks in the National Football League and one of the most competitive, him and Philip Rivers. But when it's all said and done, whoever lines up, lines up. We have our own situation to take care of. We really don't care."
The Steelers will get a boost even if Roethlisberger can't play, as safety Troy Polmalu and rookie offensive lineman David DeCastro are both set to return from injuries against the Ravens.
Polmalu has only played five quarters this season since injuring his calf, but appears set for a full game against Baltimore. Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau expects him to play his usual amount of time.
"I don't think he will be able to be out there every snap," said LeBeau to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. "He is in good shape ... but I think his football conditioning needs some development."
DeCastro was activiated by the team last week after injuring his right knee in the preseason. He was expected to miss the entire season, but could make his debut against the Ravens.
DeCastro won't be the only shake-up to the offensive line, as All-Pro center Maurkice Pouncey said Wednesday he might play at guard in the Ravens game due to an injury to Willie Colon.
Wide receiver Antonio Brown is also expected to play after injuring his ankle against the New York Giants.
