Report: Ben Roethlisberger a longshot to play Week 7

Ben Roethlisberger appears to be getting closer to making his return from a knee injury he suffered in Week 3, but Pittsburgh Steelers fans may want to avoid getting too excited.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports that Roethlisberger is pushing hard to be ready next weekend but will have to improve “a ton” in practice for the team to clear him. While Roethlisberger is known for playing through injuries and being one of the toughest players in the league, the Steelers want to make sure he is fully healthy before he takes the field again.

Initial reports indicated that Roethlisberger was dealing with a sprained MCL and a bone bruise that could force him to miss six weeks or more. A former NFL team doctor speculated that he would return sooner than expected.

Michael Vick overcame a mysterious clock issue Monday night to help the Steelers beat the San Diego Chargers, but he has not played that well. Antonio Brown, who is arguably the best receiver in the game when Roethlisberger plays, has been virtually ineffective. The Steelers need Big Ben in order to remain in contention.