Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is thinking about the team above everything else.
Unfortunately for the team, it doesn't appear as if Roethlisberger will make his return to the field after missing his team's previous two games, according to Post-Gazette reporter Ed Bouchette. All sighs are pointing to the second consecutive start of veteran Charlie Batch, which would make it the first time since 2010 he's started two consecutive games.
Roethlisberger hasn't been ruled out, but he has not undergone a full practice since he was injured in the third quarter of the Steelers' 16-13 (OT) win against Kansas City Nov. 18. He has been limited Wednesday and Thursday this week, and even with a full day of practice Friday, it would appear unlikely Roethlisberger will play against Baltimore in Week 13.
Outside linebacker LaMarr Woodley won't play Sunday, according to Bouchette, after not having practiced Wednesday or Thursday. He will be replaced in the lineup again by Jason Worilds, the Steelers' leader in sacks with five this season.
On the positive side, safety Troy Polamalu will be on the field Sunday, at least in a limited capacity, marking his first game action since a Week 5 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. Polamalu played just a few snaps before appearing to aggravate the same calf injury that had caused him to miss the Steelers' Weeks 2 and 3 games.
Wide receiver Antonio Brown practiced fully for the second consecutive game, all but assuring his return to the field for the first time since Week 9.
Left guard Willie Colon did not practice Thursday, but he will practice fully Friday in an effort to see if he's able to get on the field Sunday. If he cannot, center Maurkice Pouncey will move to left guard, and Doug Legursky will start at center.
The Steelers will start their third right tackle of the season when Kelvin Beachum makes his first career start in replacement of injured Mike Adams.
Left tackle Max Starks returned to practice Thursday after missing Wednesday's session with a back injury.
WR Jerricho Cotchery (ribs) was limited for the second consecutive day. He missed the Steelers' Week 12 loss at Cleveland with a rib injury sustained in the Steelers' Week 11 loss to Baltimore (Pittsburgh Steelers tickets).