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Steelers Injury Report: Ike Taylor has fractured ankle, Ben Roethlisberger threw Monday but Charlie Batch is still the starter

At Mike Tomlin's press conference Tuesday, he said the same thing he did last week; Charlie Batch is the starter, and Ben Roethlisberger has the chance to change that in practice this week.

By Neal Coolong
Justin K. Aller

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin was on repeat mode Tuesday.

Charlie Batch is the starter, Ben Roethlisberger will practice and be evaluated as the week progresses.

Nothing new in Pittsburgh. For now, at least.

Roethlisberger threw Monday, an effort Tomlin described as "successful," suggesting he was able to physically throw the ball, presumably without collapsing in a heap of pain. How much he'll be able to add to that as the week continues is still up in the air.

Batch is still the hero of Pittsburgh but that will end quickly as the Steelers prepare to host the Chargers in a must-win game in Week 14 against San Diego. The Chargers have lost seven of their last eight games, and appear to be teetering on the brink of a complete managerial overhaul. They lost 20-13 to Cincinnati last week, effectively eliminating them from playoff contention.

The Steelers will enter this game without cornerback Ike Taylor, who fractured his ankle in the Steelers' win against Baltimore Sunday. Cortez Allen will make his first career start against the Chargers.

Mike Adams will also miss the game, his second straight, giving Kelvin Beachum his second straight start.

Left guard Willie Colon is expected to return this week after missing the last two games. That would move Maurkice Pouncey back to center, and putting Doug Legursky back on the bench.


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