BEN WANTS WINS, NOT STATS

At his weekly media conference, Ben Roethlisberger acknowledged that the Steelers have a tough road game Sunday against flashy Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City, but he doesn’t expect that it will be much like the only other time they faced each other.  In Mahomes’ rookie year in 2018, he threw for 326 yards and six touchdowns while Big Ben threw the ball 60 times for 452 yards and three scores.

Roethlisberger says huge stat lines don’t mean much to him.

Big Ben has led a number of fourth quarter comebacks, sometimes grabbing wins and sometimes just falling short.  But the Steelers have been getting off to frustratingly bad starts all season long.  He says they need to be better, but they understand that they’re not out of a game when they fall behind.

Covid-19 continues to dominate the conversation surrounding this week’s game.  The Steelers yesterday placed linebacker Devin Bush, backup linebacker Marcus Allen, and backup tackle Zach Banner on the reserve/covid list.  The Chiefs had thirteen players on the list as of yesterday afternoon, but according to a new NFL policy, vaccinated players still have a chance to come off the list in time for Sunday.  Unvaccinated players do not and the only Steeler or Chief known to be unvaccinated among those on the covid list is Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker.

At Steelers practice yesterday, tight end Pat Freiermuth sat out as he continues to process through the NFL concussion protocol. Defensive lineman Chris Wormley was out with a groin injury, and cornerback Joe Haden was sidelined by coach’s decision.

A measure of how important this game is to the Steelers is that Roethlisberger was a full practice participant.  He usually sits out on Wednesdays.  Guard Kevin Dotson returned to practice as well.  He’s been out since November 20^th with a high ankle sprain and remains on Injured Reserve.  The Steelers have 21 days from yesterday to activate him.

Linebacker TJ Watt and defensive lineman Cam Heyward were named yesterday to the AFC Pro Bowl team.  The game is scheduled to be played in Las Vegas on February 6^th.  The Indianapolis Colts led the league with seven selections including MVP candidate Jonathan Taylor.  Justin Herbert is the starting quarterback for the AFC.   Aaron Rodgers is the starting QB for the NFC.