Ben Roethlisberger tried to practice this week. It didn't help the quarterback's chances of playing Sunday for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
NFL.com's Albert Breer reported Roethlisberger will not play against the Baltimore Ravens, according to a Steelers source. Breer reported Roethlisberger is regaining strength in his right shoulder, where he sustained an SC sprain just under three weeks ago. While Breer's source said Roethlisberger looked "better" in practice, he isn't where he needs to be yet.
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Roethlisberger sounded resigned to watching Charlie Batch play in comments to the media Thursday.
"I firmly believe that (Batch will play well)," Roethlisberger told reporters. "They know what he's capable of. He's been doing it a long time. They respect him. I think he's ready to rise to the occasion."
Batch struggled badly with his decision-making in last week's loss to the Cleveland Browns. His arm just didn't look strong enough to compete at the NFL level. Batch has been a great asset over the years, but the Steelers surely hope it's the last start of his 15-year NFL career.
At 6-5, the Steelers can't afford many more losses. It's hard to imagine them beating a quality opponent again until Roethlisberger truly is healthy.
UPDATE: The Steelers confirmed to NFL.com's Aditi Kinkhabwala that Roethlisberger officially is out for Sunday's game. Batch will start. Backup quarterback Byron Leftwich also is out.