PITTSBURGH – Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger returned to start the second half against Cleveland on Thursday night after leaving the game because of a left leg injury.
Roethlisberger went straight to the locker room after getting hit by Cleveland's Brian Schaefering and Scott Paxson in the second quarter. Roethlisberger's left leg appeared to get pinned underneath Paxson as the quarterback fell to the ground.
Roethlisberger was replaced by Charlie Batch, but returned to the huddle after Pittsburgh received the kickoff to start the second half.
He limped badly while trying to execute handoffs but completed two passes while leading Pittsburgh into Cleveland territory before the Steelers were forced to punt.
Roethlisberger had completed 8 of 9 passes for 102 yards and a touchdown at the time of the injury. He has dealt with several injuries this season, including a sprained left foot and a fractured right thumb but has not missed a start.
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