FANTASY FOOTBALL NFL PLAYERS

Posted: 4/14/2013 5:46pm et

Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger has been pushing for the team to match the offer restricted free-agent WR Emmanuel Sanders signed with the New England Patriots. The Steelers are not worried about the $2.5 million Sanders would make, but could lose him next offseason.

Huddle Up: If Sanders departs, he joins Mike Wallace as an ex-Steeler WR, taking away a combined 108 catches, 1,462 yards and 9 TDs from the Pittsburgh offense of last season and leaving Big Ben with an uninspiring WR corps headed by Antonio, Brown, Jerricho Cotchery and Plaxico Burress.

Posted: 3/6/2013 4:09pm et

Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger said he is feeling great after dealing with a sprained right shoulder and dislocated rib during the season. "I feel great. I think I ended the season healthier than I have in a long time. I know that sounds crazy because of my ribs and chest, but I played three or four games at the end of the season and I was actually getting healthy as the season was ending," Roethlisberger said.

Huddle Up: Between a shaky Steelers offensive line and Big Ben's propensity for hanging on to the ball until the last possible moment, Roethlisberger usually winds up taking a beating. Getting healthy in time for the start of offseason workouts is a positive development, as he'll be working with some new skill position teammates as Mike Wallace leaves via free agency and the Steelers search for running back help.

Posted: 2/28/2013 4:31pm et

Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger has restructured his contract to create $3 million in cap space for the team. His 2013 cap number has dropped from $19.6 million to $16.6 million.

Huddle Up: The Steelers reportedly were $14 million-$15 million over the cap, but Big Ben's new deal, along with restructures for WR Antonio Brown and LB Lawrence Timmons, may start to give the cash-strapped club some breathing room.

Posted: 2/26/2013 10:27pm et

The Pittsburgh Steelers and QB Ben Roethlisberger are working on renegotiating the quarterback's contract, and it is possible the two sides could have an agreement before the end of the week. The contract is not expected to be extended at this point, but that could happen next offseason.

Huddle Up: As evidenced by Tom Brady's new deal, QB contacts often offer the most wiggle room, and the Steelers certainly need all they can get as one of the league's teams in the most salary-cap trouble.

Posted: 1/1/2013 3:58pm et

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said that Ben Roethlisberger (shoulder, ribs) will not require offseason surgery.

Huddle Up: Roethlisberger's injury essentially cost him 4 games, but he wound up ranking 11th overall among QBs with an average of 21.27 fantasy points per game (Huddle Performance scoring). The key for the QB will be getting better protection from an offensive line that has battled injuries and subpar for several seasons now.

Posted: 12/18/2012 2:31pm et

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said QB Ben Roethlisberger is on board with the team's offensive play calling after the quarterback criticized the team's plan in Week 15 by saying 'we didn't call the right play.' Roethlisberger said he was disappointed he wasn't allowed to run the no-huddle offense more in the second half of the game.

Huddle Up: Fantasy-wise, Roethlisberger has been just fine, coming off a 339-yard, 2-TD performance in Week 15, but the Steelers definitely need Big Ben on board with the team currently on the outside looking in at the AFC playoff race.

Posted: 12/17/2012 11:33am et

Although Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger placed blame on himself for the team's Week 15 loss, he also questioned the playcalling. When asked why TE Heath Miller didn't have a single pass thrown his way in the second half, Roethlisberger replied, "I just don't think we called the right plays to get him the ball." And when asked why the team didn't run more no-huddle offense in the second half, Roethlisberger acknowledged he wished they had done more. "That's tough for me to answer right now," Roethlisberger said. "The second half we didn't do much of it, and that's disappointing."

Huddle Up: It's no secret Big Ben is at odds with his offensive coordinator. Maybe we'll get a full-blown feud this week--certainly if the Steelers wind up missing the playoffs. Getcha popcorn.

Posted: 12/9/2012 11:56pm et

Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger (shoulder) completed 22 of his 42 pass attempts for 285 yards, three touchdowns and one interception in the Week 14 loss against San Diego Chargers. It was Roethlisberger's first action since Week 10.

Huddle Up: Roethlisberger started real slow but picked it up after the Steelers shockingly fell behind, 27-3, throwing all 3 of his TD passes in the final quarter and a half. The QB also rushed for 31 yards to finish a yard behind the team's leading rusher, Jonathan Dwyer (8-32).

Posted: 12/6/2012 7:21pm et

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said QB Ben Roethlisberger (shoulder) will start Week 14.

Huddle Up: While Roethlisberger may not make for the most trustworthy of fantasy starts himself coming off his month-long injury absence, his presence will provide a bump in fantasy value for the team's other skill-position players.

Posted: 12/5/2012 5:26pm et

Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger (shoulder, ribs) will reportedly play in Week 14 against the San Diego Chargers.

Huddle Up: Excellent news for the Steelers and anyone who might own a Steelers position player. Charlie Batch was darn near heroic last week, but fans and fantasy owners alike needed Big Ben back in the lineup. If you are desperate for a quarterback, Big Ben could help you in the playoffs; just remember he might be a bit rusty this week.

Posted: 12/4/2012 1:53pm et

The Pittsburgh Steelers expect QB Ben Roethlisberger (shoulder, ribs) to return in Week 14 against the San Diego Chargers.

Huddle Up: As always, expect the tale to be told in practice this week, but definitely count on Big Ben returning in Week 15 for sure if the Week 14 plans somehow fall through.

Posted: 12/3/2012 2:21pm et

Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger (shoulder, ribs) was not cleared medically to play against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 13, but he has a chance to return in Week 14 against the San Diego Chargers. A determination on Roethlisberger won't be made until the middle of the week at the earliest.

Huddle Up: Charlie Batch valiantly kept the Steelers in the playoff hunt with a tough road victory over the Ravens, but this team will need Big Ben back to make a serious push.

Posted: 11/30/2012 1:06pm et

Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger (ribs, shoulder) will not be able to play Week 13.

Huddle Up: There was some hope that Big Ben would start this week, but reality has set in. This is bad news for Mike Wallace, Antonio Brown and Heath Miller as the Ravens can tee off on Charlie Batch. Jonathan Dwyer is about the only good option in that offense this week, and the sledding might be tough if the Ravens stack the line.

Posted: 11/30/2012 11:41am et

Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger looked better in practice Thursday, Nov. 29, but he's still not where he needs to be strength-wise. He's unlikely to play in Week 13.

Huddle Up: It sounds like Big Ben's status depends on whether his arm strength has returned following his rib and shoulder injuries. Either way, fantasy owners shouldn't be banking on Roethlisberger this week.

Posted: 11/29/2012 3:19pm et

Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger (rib, shoulder) said Thursday, Nov. 29, he's still in significant pain from the sprained right shoulder and dislocated ribs that have forced him to sit out the team's last two games. Roethlisberger added 'there's always a chance' he could play in Week 13 but isn't sure his injured arm will cooperate. When asked if the issue is pain or arm strength, Roethlisberger said 'both.'

Huddle Up: The prevailing thought has been that Big Ben would gut it out and return for the rematch against the Ravens, but this latest news has applied the brakes to some of that momentum. There are still a few days left for things to change, but right now, it's looking like a second straight start for Charlie Batch.

Posted: 11/28/2012 2:53pm et

Updating a previous report, Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger (shoulder, ribs) has a less than 50 percent chance of starting in Week 13 against the Baltimore Ravens. There is still risk that Roethlisberger could aggravate his injuries if he comes back too early.

Huddle Up: Chances are not good the Steelers make it out of Baltimore with many points—fantasy or otherwise—without Roethlisberger. The Browns annihilated the Steelers defensively last week, and the Ravens are not going to let them off easy because of injuries.

Posted: 11/28/2012 11:12am et

A source close to Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger said he would be "shocked" if Roethlisberger played in Week 13 and expects him to miss one more game. QB Charlie Batch is expected to start this week. According to the source, it's not a "pain tolerance" issue with Roethlisberger; it's a question of how well he can perform with his injuries.

Huddle Up: A return this week seemed a bit aggressive given the serious nature of Roethlisberger's rib injury, but it's the Ravens and Pittsburgh has looked dead in the water without Big Ben at quarterback. Another week without Big Ben means devalue Mike Wallace and the rest of the Steeler passing game as well.

Posted: 11/27/2012 10:12am et

Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger is 50-50 to start in Week 13.

Huddle Up: You just know it's eating Big Ben up to be on the sidelines while his Steelers fall to Baltimore and Cleveland--Cleveland!--and he'll do everything in his power to be back on the field for this week's rematch with the Ravens. However, he'll need medical clearance for his life-threatening rib injury, and even if he goes he's not necessarily a fantasy helper.

Posted: 11/26/2012 11:37am et

Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger said he's going to try to play in Week 13 against the Ravens. Roethlisberger is showing signs of improvement. He slept much better this week, according to a source, even with his newborn son in the house. He has been able to hold his baby with his right arm, and doctors have determined his rib has healed enough that he doesn't risk further damage. Roethlisberger's pain tolerance and range of motion could determine whether he plays in Week 13.

Huddle Up: Steelers fans have been forced to exhibit a high level of pain tolerance themselves in watching Byron Leftwich and Charlie Batch quarterback their team the past two weeks. You know the über-tough Roethlisberger desperately wants to return to face the Ravens this week, and if he receives medical clearance it will be difficult to keep him off the field. A Big Ben return would be welcome news to fantasy owners of Mike Wallace and Heath Miller, among others.

Posted: 11/25/2012 9:12pm et

Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger (rib, shoulder) will begin soft-tossing the football early next week to test his range of motion. His pain tolerance and range of motion will determine whether he will be able to play Week 13. Doctors have determined Roethliserger's rib injury has healed enough that he can't cause any more damage.

Huddle Up: After 2 losses in 2 games and a clunker of an outing from No. 3 QB Charlie Batch (199 yards, no TDs, 3 interceptions) Sunday, the Steelers, their fans and the team's receiving corps need Big Ben in the worst way -- especially with the rematch against the division-leading Ravens looming Sunday.

Posted: 11/20/2012 5:44pm et

Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger (ribs, shoulder) is considered doubtful for Week 12, according to head coach Mike Tomlin. 'He had an additional test done today and all things are very positive in terms of where he is,' Tomlin said. 'We're encouraged about his status.'

Huddle Up: This is unsurprising; Charlie Batch is expected to start. Downgrade all the Steelers skill players against Cleveland, who have been good on defense and should have Joe Haden back.

Posted: 11/19/2012 12:11pm et

Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger is reportedly at risk of nerve damage along with previously reported threats to the aorta if he comes back to the lineup too soon. "This is not about being a tough guy," said Dr Clark Fuller, the director of Thoracic Surgery at St. John's Health Center in California. Fuller added that a quarterback's typical throwing motion might prevent a rib injury from healing. "Playing football with a dislocated first rib would put you at severe risk. There are many things to be concerned about, including destroying the nerves in the arm."

Huddle Up: You knew something had to be up for Big Ben to miss a Steelers/Ravens game. He'll be back as soon as he gets medical clearance, but from the sounds of it that might not be coming soon.

Posted: 11/15/2012 1:14am et

Updating previous reports, Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger's (shoulder, ribs) condition is rare because he won't be able to play until his injury is fully healed. Otherwise, his rib injury could press on his aort and kill him. Both his shoulder and rib injury occurred on the same play in Week 10, and the dislocation of his first rib is the more serious injury of the two.

Huddle Up: The more we hear about the details of Roethlisberger's injury, the longer it sounds like he'll be out.

Posted: 11/14/2012 3:25pm et

Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger (rib, shoulder) said the rib injury he suffered Week 10 is more of a concern than the shoulder injury he suffered. Roethlisberger said the rib injury is very rare and could be life-threatening because the rib could press against his aorta. He will have to wait until the injury heals before playing again.

Huddle Up: Roethlisberger is notorious for playing well through injury, but this one might have felled him for at least a few weeks. Any time "life-threatening" is attached to an injury report we can reasonably assume it will take some time to return.

Posted: 11/14/2012 10:47am et

Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger is out for Week 11 and QB Byron Leftwich will get the start. The team is not taking any chances with Roethlisberger, deciding to sit him. Roethlisberger has injuries to a rib and his right shoulder that head coach Mike Tomlin described as a sprain to the sternoclavicular joint, which connects the sternum to the collarbone. Roethlisberger injured a rib when he was sacked early in the third quarter of the team's Week 10 game and the injury could also be a serious problem.

Huddle Up: Big Ben has played through plenty of pain in his career, but the Steelers are thinking long-term and will sit Roethlisberger in hopes of his shoulder and ribs getting well enough to allow for a lengthy late-season run that includes the playoffs.

Posted: 11/13/2012 10:40pm et

Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger (shoulder) is dealing with a sternoclavicular sprain in his shoulder, which is an uncommon and painful injury. It's the same injury that forced former QB Brett Favre to end his streak of 297 straight games played. A sternoclavicular sprain involves ligament damage to the joint connecting the breastbone and collarbone, and normal recovery time is typically three weeks to multiple months. Head coach Mike Tomlin said QB Byron Leftwich will receive the majority of snaps in practice this week and is expected to start against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 11.

Huddle Up: After digesting all the reports, it definitely sounds like Big Ben will be a no-go in Week 11 and likely a few games after that as well. With all the buzz this injury has created, it certainly won't be hard to track his progress.

Posted: 11/13/2012 4:53pm et

Updating previous reports, Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger (shoulder) was diagnosed with a sternoclavicular shoulder sprain and, while he will be officially listed as questionable for Week 11's game against the Baltimore Ravens, he's unlikely to play.

Huddle Up: Expect Byron Leftwich to get the call in Sunday night's crucial game against the Ravens, and if he does, downgrade the Steelers' fantasy stocks across the offensive board.

Posted: 11/13/2012 11:18am et

The Pittsburgh Steelers fear QB Ben Roethlisberger's shoulder injury is significant and he'll be out for a while. Two sources said Roethlisberger suffered a separated right shoulder in Week 10. One source classified the injury as "unusual", but it's unknown if that's a good or a bad thing.

Huddle Up: Roethlisberger exited the stadium before the end of Monday night's overtime win over the Chiefs, which suggests his injury required more diagnostic tools and expertise than was available at the stadium--and that, in turn, suggests it's a more serious injury than could be dealt with on site. Byron Leftwich will helm the Steelers for the foreseeable future, which will take a bite out of the fantasy values of Mike Wallace and Heath Miller, among others.

Posted: 11/12/2012 10:54pm et

Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger left the Week 10 game against the Kansas City Chiefs after the opening drive of the third quarter due to a right- shoulder injury. He left to be evaluated in the locker room, and his return is questionable. Veteran backup Byron Leftwich took over.

Huddle Up: Big Ben, who was hurt after being driven to the turf on a sack, became the latest QB casualty in Week 10, completing 9-of-18 passes for 84 yards and TD and rushing for 14 yards before the injury.

Posted: 10/18/2012 4:19pm et

Updating a previous report, Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger (ankle, foot) said he is fine after leaving practice early with an injury Thursday, Oct. 18.

Huddle Up: It's never good when an injury flares up during the week, but then again Roethlisberger is a true gamer. See what happens Friday before contemplating any fantasy moves.

Posted: 10/12/2012 12:25am et

Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger was 24-of-40 for 363 yards, a TD and an interception Thursday night in a 26-23 Week 6 loss to the Tennessee Titans. The QB also tied for second on the squad with 14 rushing yards.

Huddle Up: On a night when his teammates were falling like flies, Roethlisberger nearly pulled one out for the Steelers. His TD came in the first quarter on an 82-yard strike to WR Mike Wallace. However, the injuries all around the QB, most notably the offensive line and running backs, could limit Roethlisberger's fantasy productiveness going forward.

Posted: 10/11/2012 12:04pm et

Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger has been credited with a 13-yard touchdown pass following a scoring change to the team's Week 5 game. The change made RB Rashard Mendenhall's 13-yard touchdown run against the Philadelphia Eagles a 13-yard touchdown pass. The play initially was ruled a pass, only to be changed to a run after a review appeared to show Roethlisberger threw a lateral. The NFL changed the play back to a pass upon reviewing game video. The change left Mendenhall with 13 carries for 68 yards, while Roethlisberger's numbers for that game are 22-for-38 passing for 220 yards and a touchdown.

Huddle Up: If this stat change benefits you, here's your supporting evidence to get the numbers changed and that loss turned into a win. If it doesn't benefit you... we didn't hear a thing.

Posted: 10/10/2012 12:26am et

Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger heads into the Week 6 game against the Tennessee Titans Thursday, Oct. 11, on pace for a career high in yards at 4,444. He is also on pace to tie his previous best of 32 touchdown throws, and he is on pace to throw his fewest interceptions since 2004.

Huddle Up: With a talented WR corps and steady TE Heath Miller, the Steelers definitely have evolved into a passing team. We'll see if Rashard Mendenhall's return -- the RB made an impressive 2012 debut this past Sunday coming off last winter's knee injury -- brings a little more balance to things.

Posted: 8/5/2012 7:33pm et

Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger (ankle) did not practicing Sunday, Aug. 5, because he sprained an ankle during practice Saturday, Aug. 4.

Huddle Up: Steelers fans are getting more than a little nervous with their franchise QB who seemingly has a new injury or malady every day. Big Ben already revealed that he's playing with a partially-torn rotator cuff this preseason. Roethlisberger has been sacked 122 times over the past three seasons, and the punishment is starting to pile up. Suffice it to say that it's prudent to have a good backup plan if Ben winds up as your starting QB.

Posted: 8/1/2012 4:19pm et

Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger (shoulder) said he has a small tear in his rotator cuff but said his arm feels strong and it should not affect any of the throws he makes. 'I'm good. It's OK, just sore,' Roethlisberger said. 'I have a little torn rotator cuff. That doesn't heal. We just have to hope it doesn't tear the rest of the way, according to Doc.' He said he has been throwing less during camp which has helped his arm feel better.

Huddle Up: It's so "Ben" to play up the injury card with the media... but also assure us it's nothing to worry about, all in the same sentence. One day he's going to say, "I have completely ruptured both quadriceps tendons, but I'm feeling good and should be able to go."

Posted: 7/22/2012 1:00pm et

The plan is for the Pittsburgh Steelers to use two rookies, OG David DeCastro and OT Mike Adams, along the offensive line, starting right away. If they do, they'll have to overcome long odds and, to some extent, history as well. In the past 45 years, just three rookie offensive linemen have started for the Steelers in season openers: OG Tom Ricketts (1999), OT Marvel Smith (2000) and C Maurkice Pouncey (2010).

Huddle Up: Roethlisberger's O-line has been in flux his entire career so this news isn't totally startling. He also takes an extra beating because he holds the ball longer than any QB in the league.

Posted: 7/8/2012 11:33pm et

Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger completed only 50 percent of his passes in the red zone last season which was down from his 64.7 percent completion percentage outside the red zone.

Huddle Up: Roethlisberger ranked 26th in red-zone QB rating (min. 20 attempts) at 75.0, behind such stalwarts as Blaine Gabbert, Colt McCoy, and Mark Sanchez. And now Hines Ward is retired and Mike Wallace is digging a trench for an ugly holdout.