The Pittsburgh Steelers managed to get the win over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 6, but it was not because of Michael Vick. The quarterback got the starting nod in the game as Ben Roethlisberger was still not healthy enough to play. He proceeded to go 3 for 8 and was replaced by Landry Jones who sparked the comeback. Now with a game against Kansas City approaching, who will be under center in Week 7?
Roethlisberger is hopeful that he plays in Week 7. The quarterback appeared poised to start against the Cardinals, but the team ruled him out on Friday as he continues to heal from a knee injury. Feeling healthy and participating in practice, Roethlisberger is eyeing Sunday for his return.
"We're going to tape it and brace it and I'm going to see what I can do," Roethlisberger said, via ESPN.com. "My plan is to go out Wednesday and practice. We'll see what happens. I know I've got to be smart about it. I've got to be able to defend myself. We're just going to take it day by day."
If Roethlisberger were unable to play, Jones could be the favored quarterback to get the start. The third-string quarterback benefitted from the return of Martavis Bryant who had 137 yards off six catches and two touchdowns. He overshadowed Antonio Brown in a big way as he got just three catches for 24 yards. Brown was not thrilled about his role in the offense with Vick under center and it is not improving with Jones. Roethlisberger could change that.
"It's uncomfortable for him, no doubt. It's obvious," head coach Mike Tomlin said, via PennLive.com. "He's got a great rapport with Ben Roethlisberger and Ben's not playing. What are we going to do to win the game? When you're hunting what he's hunting, his career will be defined on how many Lombardis he contributes to our stash."
Brown is battling the return of Bryant along with the production Bell has. Roethlisberger was the reason Brown became a franchise receiver and the return of the quarterback could boost his numbers in Week 7 especially against a weaker defense in Kansas City. Tomlin told the media that Brown is a professional and his comments over low targets is not something that will be an issue moving forward.
"He realizes he's seen everything he's going to see in professional football, from an individual recognition and accolades standpoint," Tomlin said, via PennLive.com. "He's got to get a ring and that's what I've been talking about through some of this."