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Batch to have wrist surgery; Big Ben might play
Backup quarterback Charlie Batch will require surgery to repair a broken left wrist and will be out at least six weeks.
That leaves the Steelers (6-4) with only third-stringer Dennis Dixon behind Roethlisberger when they play Sunday at Baltimore (5-5). It's a critical game for both teams as they try to remain in the AFC playoff race.
Roethlisberger completed 32 of 42 passes for 398 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions against the Chiefs, but he took a knee to the head from linebacker Derrick Johnson in overtime. Roethlisberger underwent neurological tests Monday to assess his cognitive skills. Both Roethlisberger and the team believe the quarterback will play against the Ravens.
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Last season, Roethlisberger suffered a concussion in a Deccember game against Cleveland, but the Steelers had locked up the No. 2 seed in the AFC playoffs and the quarterback had two weeks to recover. He completed 17 of 26 passes for 181 yards and one touchdown in a 35-24 win over San Diego Jan. 11.
Who will be backing Roethlisberger up against the Ravens remains in question.
Batch completed one of two passes for 17 yards after replacing Roethlisberger, moving the Steelers to the Kansas City 35-yard line. But Mewelde Moore was stopped for a three-yard loss on third-and-two and Pittsburgh punted. Five plays later, Kansas City kicked the game-winning field goal.
"I wasn't able to get it done," said Batch. "I wasn't able to get that second first down for us. Without us converting, they were able to make the plays to go down and win the game."
Dixon, a third-year player, has thrown only one NFL pass. Pittsburgh has contacted several free agents in an attempt to have a third quarterback at practice this week.
The Steelers are expected to hold workouts today with several quarterbacks. Jeff Garcia and Cleo Lemon are rumored to be at the top of their wish-list.
The 39-year-old Garcia is a four-time Pro Bowl selection who has played for San Francisco, Cleveland, Detroit, Philadelphia, Tampa Bay and Oakland.
Lemon, 30, played for San Diego, Miami, Baltimore and Jacksonville, mostly as a backup.
Batch will be placed on injured reserve if another quarterback is signed, ending his season.
Odds and end zones
Guard Chris Kemoeatu (knee sprain) is likely out for Sunday's game. ... Pittsburgh leads the NFL in rush defense, allowing 69.2 yards per game. Cincinnati is second at 84.3.
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