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Wheaton: Big Ben didn't miss beat in Steelers practice

The Pittsburgh Steelers must decide whether or not Ben Roethlisberger is healthy enough to start under center against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.

Wideout Markus Wheaton knows what decision he would make.

"Man, I would hope so, but, honestly, I couldn't call it," Wheaton said on NFL HQ, when asked if Big Ben will play.

After watching Roethlisberger return from his sprained MCL to participate in 7-on-7 work during Wednesday's practice, Wheaton told the gang: "He looked good. He looked good. Looked like he hadn't missed a beat, honestly."

While calling Mike Vick an "even-keeled" and "wily vet," it's clear that Wheaton and the rest of this offense miss their starter. After Roethlisberger threw for an average of 349.5 yards over the first two games of the year, Vick has averaged just 145 yards passing over Pittsbirgh's last two tilts. The Steelers are a shadow of themselves with Vick at the controls.

Roethlisberger's arm looked sharp Wednesday, but that isn't the issue: Big Ben acknowledged that he needs to display lateral ability before suiting up on Sunday against a live opponent.

Thursday's practice will tell us more about Roethlisberger's chances to face the Cardinals, a 4-1 team helmed by his close friend and former play-caller, Bruce Arians. Asking Vick to take down this NFC powerhouse is a bridge too far for the 3-2 Steelers.

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