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Big Ben won't play against Baltimore
Losing to a team three times in one season, including in the conference championship game, will have that effect.
Losing three to your bitter rival, well, that tends to raise the level of dislike to a new level.
The Steelers and ravens will meet tonight at M&T Stadium for the first time since last season's AFC Championship game.
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The Steelers, however, will be without their most important offensive player. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who suffered a concussion in last week's loss to Kansas City, will not play after experiencing headaches throughout the week.
Roethlisberger practiced all week and said that he planned to play, but Saturday morning it was decided the quarterback will miss the game. Second-year quarterback Dennis Dixon will make his first career start.
Former Pitt quarterback Tyler Palko, signed to the practice squad earlier less than a week ago, will be signed to the active roster and wide receiver Shaun McDonald will be released.
Roethlisberger's injury adds another twist to an all-important game for both teams.
"It's definitely important," said Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall. "And just that it's a tough opponent and a division opponent means it's a tough game. We feel like we need to win."
It's perhaps the most intense rivalry going in the NFL.
If he had any doubts, Mendenhall, the Steelers' second-year running back, got a first-hand look at it last season. Making his first career start, Mendenhall had his season end after just three games by Baltimore linebacker Ray Lewis, who fractured the running back's shoulder and then taunted him as he lay on the turf at Heinz Field.
The Ravens were upset over a text message that Baltimore rookie running back Ray Rice reportedly received from Mendenhall saying he was going to have a big game against the Ravens. Mendenhall has denied sending any such message.
"Anybody that knows me knows that's not something I would do," Mendenhall said.
But such is the heat of the rivalry.
Defensive back Corey Ivy, signed by the Steelers this week to help their struggling special teams, spent the previous three seasons with the Ravens.
"It's definitely circled on everybody's calendar when you play Pittsburgh," said Ivy.
Roethlisberger is not be the only key player missing the game. For Pittsburgh, strong safety Troy Polamalu and left guard Chris Kemoeatu are out. Veteran Tyrone Carter will make his sixth start this season in place of Polamalu, while rookie Ramon Foster will make his first career start in place of Kemoeatu.
Baltimore will be without cornerback Fabian Washington, while Suggs is doubtful with a sprained knee. Rookie Lardarius Webb will replace Washington. Suggs had four sacks against the Steelers last season. Jameel McClain would replace Suggs if he can't play.
Both teams are in a slump.
After winning five straight, the Steelers have lost their last two, including a stunning 27-24 overtime defeat at Kansas City last week. Baltimore, meanwhile, has stumbled after a 3-0 start.
Both teams are chasing Cincinnati (7-3) in the AFC North.
"This game is important for one reason, because it's the next one, and also because we are coming off two losses," Clark said. "To come off a week when you lose to Kansas City, a team you expect to beat, while everybody in your division loses ... it's disappointing."
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