It was a foregone conclusion heading into Friday before the Steelers' Week 13 game at the Baltimore Ravens, but quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has been ruled out. Charlie Batch will make his second consecutive start, facing the Ravens for the second time in the last three years.
Batch's last start against Baltimore came in 2010, a 17-14 Ravens win in Pittsburgh.
Batch threw three interceptions in the Steelers' 20-14 loss at Cleveland in Week 12. The Steelers offense has largely fallen off pace since Roethlisberger suffered an SC joint sprain in Week 11 against Kansas City. He hasn't played since, although he did throw in practice this week.
He'll be eyeing a return to the field in Week 14, when the Steelers host the San Diego Chargers.
Back-up Byron Leftwich started against Baltimore in Week 12, but was injured during that game, leaving him unable to play in the rematch.
The Steelers at Ravens game was taken off the board in Las Vegas due to the uncertainty of Roethlisberger's injury, but with announcement that Batch will start, the Ravens are expected to be six or seven point favorites.