Ben Roethlisberger (ankle) is expected to start Monday's game against the 49ers, according to beat writer for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Gerry Dulac. Mike Florio reported earlier Sunday that the Raven's game outcome would play a big role on whether Ben will play or not. Roethlisberger has a grade 1 ankle sprain and didn't practice all week till Saturday. The decision was supposedly made late Sunday after practice and the Ravens 34-14 loss to Chargers. The Steelers now have their franchise QB under center on what is the most important game left for them in the regular season.

Is this any surprise from the manwho came back in the game after receiving this injury? Or continued to play after a broken nose? Ben is the toughest QB in the league and maybe in the history of the game.

The Steelers will also be without Emmanuel Sanders (foot), Maurkice Pouncey ( ankle) and James Harrison (wallet). However LaMarr Woodley who leads the team in sacks is expected to be back from a hamstring injury that kept him out the last two weeks. Jason Worilds the back up OLB has been playing some good football as of late and will make his first start at ROLB this year. Doug Legursky will start at center and maybe the best news of all Trai Essex will start at LG instead of Chris Kemoeatu . I assume this is because of Kemo's constant penalties his has racked up in the last couple of games. May I be the first to wish Essex the best game he has ever played in his life, cuase Ben can't afford to get hit more.

After the Purple Browns proved they were the same old reliable screw ups the Steelers control their chances of being the number one seed with home field advantage and a first round bye. The Steelers are going to be plenty motivated on Monday Night against the San Francisco 49ers. They have their fate in their hands, will be playing with a us against the world mantra, and playing inspired from Ben's toughness.

I am issuing a warning to the 49ers look out the Steelers are going to be coming in to this game hungry!