Pittsburgh, PA – Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said Charlie Batch will most likely remain his starting quarterback for Sunday's game against Baltimore, but didn't rule the injured Ben Roethlisberger out just yet.
Roethlisberger has missed the last two games with shoulder and rib injuries, but Tomlin said Tuesday the veteran began throwing on Monday.
"We'll leave the door open for him," Tomlin said at his Tuesday news conference. "He's got a chance."
Barring an unforeseen stirring recovery, though, Batch will start against the Ravens as the Steelers try to put the brakes on a two-game skid that began with a loss to Baltimore two Sundays ago when Byron Leftwich made the start in place of the injured Roethlisberger. Leftwich suffered a rib fracture in the loss to the Ravens, opening the door for Batch.
The Steelers committed eight turnovers in Batch's start this past Sunday in a loss to Cleveland.
"Right now, Charlie Batch is our quarterback," Tomlin added. "We are working offensively to put together a plan to complement his strengths. That is our plan until otherwise."
Tomlin also said Jonathan Dwyer has been elevated to first-team running back, followed by Isaac Redman and Rashard Mendenhall. In addition, the coach said safety Troy Polamalu is slated to practice this week and could return Sunday after missing seven games and eight of the last nine with a calf injury.
Linebacker LaMarr Woodley, who exited against Cleveland with an ankle injury, is considered doubtful for Sunday, while offensive tackle Mike Adams won't play because of an ankle issue he sustained against the Browns.
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