Watch CBS News

Big Ben Returns To Practice Field

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Ben Roethlisberger hit the practice field on Wednesday taking almost as many snaps as Charlie Batch.

Afterward, Coach Mike Tomlin said things are looking positive for Roethlisberger's return on game day.

A return to the practice field brings with it a playbook of questions, but with No. 7 throwing again; one answer is crystal clear to everyone on the field.

"As long as Ben is ready to go, he's going to go," said quarterback Charlie Batch.

For Batch, it has been a rollercoaster ride the last couple of weeks; hitting bottom in Cleveland and hoping to get another shot.

"I wanted to go out there and prove the Cleveland game was not me," said Batch.

And in Baltimore vindication, that breeds anxiousness for the next 60 minutes.

"It got us back on track and got us excited about this December push into the playoff season," said Steelers center Doug Legursky.

But the offense began the practice Wednesday not knowing who will be calling the plays come Sunday.

"To have both of those options available to us is actually more of a comfort than a discomfort," said offensive tackle Max Starks.

While Batch is the designated starter on the practice field, Roethlisberger's warm up throws were sharp and on target, and got even better after we were told to turn off the camera.

So, after his first day of practice how did Big Ben feel?

"I'm just trying to… I took three or four reps in each period, give or take a few, and just trying to get a feel for what throws I can and can't make," he said.

"We'll see how his body responds to it tomorrow, but I felt today was a good step," added Tomlin.

RELATED LINKS:
More Steelers News
More Sports News

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.