Ben Roethlisberger injury: Steelers QB expected to miss 3 weeks

Pittsburgh Steelers doctors believe quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will miss two more weeks with rib and shoulder injuries, according to ESPN's Chris Mortensen and Adam Schefter.

Roethlisberger has already been ruled out of the Steelers' Sunday night game against the Baltimore Ravens, and is also expected to sit out the team's Week 12 game against the Cleveland Browns. While team doctors are hopeful that Roethlisberger will be able to return on Dec. 2 against the Ravens, he may wind up being forced to miss that game, as well.

The rib injury turned out to be more of a concern than the shoulder, as Roethlisberger initially thought that his aorta was in harm's way. However, team doctors think the surrounding blood vessels, arteries and tissue are more threatened. Rest is the only treatment for the injury, so it could be a while before Big Ben sees the field.

The Steelers are currently 6-3 and in the thick of the AFC playoff picture. In Roethlisberger's absence, it will be up to backup quarterback Byron Leftwich to keep them there.