The Pittsburgh Steelers were trying to remain optimistic about Ben Roethlisberger getting on the field for Week 7 after suffering a knee sprain and bone bruise. The veteran has been active at practice which was a positive sign for the team, but the chances that Roethlisberger starts on Sunday now appear slim to none as backup Landry Jones prepares to make his first start.
According to head coach Mike Tomlin via ESPN.com, the Steelers are prepared to start Jones in Week 7 against the Kansas City Chiefs as Roethlisberger is not totally healthy year.
"We'll build a comprehensive plan around Landry," Tomlin said, via ESPN.com. "Who is the backup quarterback? I don't know. ... I'm more concerned about getting Landry ready."
Roethlisberger is still nursing the knee injury while Michael Vick has a small tear in his hamstring and is expected to be out for a few weeks leaving Jones as the only healthy quarterback on the team. The news is likely disappointing to fans who were hoping Roethlisberger would be back, but the quarterback admits he is not yet comfortable enough to get on the field.
"It's going to have to be a feel thing, a comfort level," Roethlisberger said, via KDKA-FM. "It's too hard to put a percentage on where I am right now because as I sit here right now talking to you guys in a chair, I feel great, I feel 100 percent. But I don't know anything until I go out and try to do football-related movements on Wednesday."
Jones certainly proved his worth in Week 6 getting the win for the Steelers. He passed for 168 yards and two touchdowns to spark the win over the Arizona Cardinals. He was graced with a big performance from Martavis Bryant who immediately becomes a fantasy pick-up this week. Le'Veon Bell also did what was necessary to help the quarterback get the win. The offensive plan is not expected to change under Jones. According to Bell, the Steelers have full confidence in the quarterback to step in and make an impact again.
"Landry was like Ben's little brother out there," Bell said, via ESPN. "He was out there making checks and everything and it brought us back like 'Dang, Landry really got this. "After we scored the first touchdown, it was like a confidence booster."
If Jones wants to be successful, he has to do a better job of getting Heath Miller and Antonio Brown involved. Both players have had quiet games without Roethlisberger in the mix and Jones has the arm to get them moving again. Going up against the 1-5 Chiefs is certainly a more favorable matchup for Jones who has the chance to make a real impression.
