The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing for a big matchup against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday and they are hoping to have a few of their key players back in the lineup to help out. The Cardinals defense is certainly one of the best in the league right now and getting Ben Roethlisberger back under center would be welcomed for the Steelers despite Michael Vick winning them a game. According to team reports, Roethlisberger could be back sooner rather than later.
According to head coach Mike Tomlin via ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Roethlisberger is set to return to the practice field to participate in 7-on-7 drills. That does not guarantee him ready to play Sunday, but it certainly is a step in the right direction for the team. Roethlisberger has not been on the field since injuring his MCL in Week 3. The Steelers originally predicted he could be out longer, but the quarterback is making a quicker recovery than expected. The quarterback stressed he is going to be smart with his return and make sure he is totally healthy first.
"Just being smart, knowing when I'm able to protect myself, I'll be back out there," Roethlisberger said, via ESPN.com. "I can walk around just fine and step and throw. It's being able to avoid a pass rush, being able to make subtle movements in the pocket and out of the pocket. That's why I'm going to go work out now and then we'll do some stuff in practice."
Fowler reports that the Steelers are still prepared for Vick to start against the Cardinals. The backup quarterback has been hot and cold which was to be expected. He did managed to get a 12-play, 80-yard gaming winning drive against the San Diego Chargers. With Vick under center, Le'Veon Bell is the most important player on the offense as he will be critical against the Cardinals. The team's run defense is stout which could make Bell's day long in the end.
The Steelers might not have Roethlisberger back for Week 6, but they will get Martavis Bryant on the field as the receiver has missed four games due to suspension. Bryant has not been activated for the game against the Cardinals, but he is ready to play according to ESPN.com. If Bryant comes back, he is a fantasy threat for Vick to work with along with Markus Wheaton and Heath Miller who have outplayed Antonio Brown over the last two weeks.