“Big” Ben Roethlisberger to play in big game

Nov 29, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) scrambles out of the pocket against the Seattle Seahawks during the third quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the middle of a stretch run they hope takes them to the playoffs. And quarterback “Big” Ben Roethlisberger gives the Steelers the best chance to make that run successful. Some doubt came in that Roethlisberger would be available for the first game of that stretch run against the Indianapolis Colts and Sunday night.

Roethlisberger has been under the concussion protocol this week after suffering one at the hands of the Seattle Seahawks last Sunday. Health has actually been an issue for Roethlisberger, the Steelers franchise quarterback, all season long. He has only been able to complete three of the seven games he’s played in so far this year.

And those seven games are out of the 11 the team has played in the 2015 season. However, so far, he has still managed to make enough of a difference to keep his Steelers in the playoff race. And it looks like he’ll get the opportunity to make a difference for them Sunday night.

Roethlisberger was officially upgraded to probable after he had a solid practice Friday. So the Steelers now officially have their best chance to beat the Colts in ther Sunday Night game. Beating the Colts is huge because the Colts have the advantage over the Steelers for an AFC wild-card spot.

As of right now, the Steelers are the eighth seed with only six teams in the AFC getting in. So Steelers fans should be rejoicing right about now because a loss to the Colts would considerably damage their playoff hopes. Their playing against 40-year-old quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, hasn’t lost a game under center for the Colts this season.