PITTSBURGH -- Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is symptom-free after suffering an apparent concussion and will play against the Ravens on Sunday night in Baltimore.
"I hesitate to use the word 'mild' because concussions are anything but mild," Coach Mike Tomlin said on Tuesday, adding that he's more comfortable describing the situation as "concussion-like."
At the same time that Tomlin delivered the Roethlisberger news, he also said that the Steelers' backup quarterback, Charlie Batch, will miss at least two to four weeks with an injured wrist that requires surgery.
Injuries don't stop at the quarterback position. Tomlin said offensive guard Chris Kemoeatu (MCL sprain) won't play against Baltimore and safety Troy Polamalu (PCL strain) is "questionable at best."
The Steelers' third quarterback, Dennis Dixon, will move into Batch's backup role behind Roethlisberger. Dixon has not played this season and has thrown just one pass in his two-year NFL career.
"I've been very comfortable with Dennis' improvement," Tomlin said. "Of course, that's different than playing against the Baltimore Ravens."
Roethlisberger passed "a battery of neurological tests" with the Steelers' doctors on Monday and said he felt fine, according to Tomlin.
If he continues to feel OK in practice this week and doesn't show any symptoms of a concussion, he will be the starting quarterback on Sunday night, Tomlin said.
If not, then Tomlin said Dixon will get the start in Roethlisberger's place.
Tomlin also said that a new quarterback -- who he declined to name until that player passes a physical -- will be signed to the Steelers' practice squad this week.
Roethlisberger left the Steelers-Chiefs game with the score tied 24-24 in overtime on Sunday in Kansas City. He was struck in the helmet by linebacker Derrick Johnson's knee while being sacked at the 50-yard line. The Steelers lost 27-24.
Slideshow - Photos From The Steelers-Chiefs GameAfter replacing Roethlisberger, Batch completed a short pass to Santonio Holmes, then threw incomplete to Rashard Mendenhall and was pushed and fell to the turf. He likely suffered the injury at that point, Tomlin said.
Copyright 2009 by ThePittsburghChannel. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
