Gerry: Ben to return, Ike out

Tuesday, 04 December 2012 10:13

Written by Gerry Dulac

This will be posted shortly on the PG's main web site, but wanted you to see it first...

            The Steelers expect Ben Roethlisberger to return and start against the San Diego Chargers on Sunday, but they will be without cornerback Ike Taylor for at least two games and possibly longer, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has learned.

            Taylor has some form of hairline fracture in his lower right leg, an injury that occurred on the second play in Baltimore when he broke up a deep pass for Ravens receiver Torrey Smith.

            He will be replaced by nickel back Cortez Allen, who had three passes defensed but also gave up two long passes, including a touchdown, against the Ravens.

            Roethlisberger was not medically cleared to play against the Ravens – the third game in a row he missed with a rib and shoulder injury – but the Steelers intend for him to return to practice and start against the Chargers.

            The Steelers were 1-2 without Rothlisberger, but they are coming off a 23-20 victory against the Ravens in which Charlie Batch passed for 276 yards and brought the team back from 13-3 and 20-13 deficits.