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Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin addressed the media Tuesday for his usual weekly press conference, and in doing so was able to give updates on several injured players. The most important on the team's list of walking wounded would be none other than Ben Roethlisberger.
After suffering a sprained MCL against the St. Louis Rams in Week 3, Roethlisberger is nearing his return to the lineup as the team's starting quarterback; however, for those waiting to hear Tomlin say, "Ben is back." they heard the complete opposite.
Tomlin: Who the backup QB is going to be, I don't know. Health will be a factor. Less concerned about backup than I am getting Landry ready
— Bob Labriola (@BobLabriola) October 20, 2015
Instead of backing any chance of Roethlisberger's return, Tomlin gave Landry Jones the early nod as the team's starting quarterback heading into their Week 7 game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Before fans become depressed at the thought of another week without No. 7 under center, Tomlin stressed how Roethlisberger responds to Wednesday practice will be a good gauge for how far he is coming along in his rehab.
The same was said for Mike Vick, who suffered a small hamstring tear against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 6 at Heinz Field. The team will see what Roethlisberger and Vick can, and cannot, do throughout the week, and this process will reveal not only who is the starter, but who will be the backup this Sunday if neither are capable of starting the game.
When asked about Tyler Murphy possibly being added to the roster as an emergency quarterback, Tomlin said they would evaluate all their options when the time was appropriate, but did mention Murphy has been staying in the QB meeting rooms as he continues to prepare as a WR and QB on the team's practice squad.
It is Landry Jones' job this Sunday...for now.
In other injury news, Tomlin gave a little more detail on several injuries to some key members of the team, as well as some updates on players who have missed some time in recent weeks.
Tomlin on Tuitt: sprained knee. Saw him walking around pretty good yesterday. We'll see what (Wednesday) brings and go from there.
— Bob Labriola (@BobLabriola) October 20, 2015
Tomlin on Jarvis: I imagine he's going to be well enough this week to participate, and the same thing with Ryan Shazier.
— Bob Labriola (@BobLabriola) October 20, 2015
Of those injured, Stephon Tuitt (knee) and Will Allen (ankle) could test their injuries this week to see their availability in Week 7, but Tomlin was optimistic the team would get Jarvis Jones (hip) and Ryan Shazier (shoulder) back in the lineup at Arrowhead Stadium Sunday. Shazier, who has missed 4 consecutive weeks, has been able to practice in some capacity the past two weeks, but has been held out of the games.
Stay tuned to BTSC for the most up-to-date news on the Steelers and Ben Roethlisberger's return to practice Wednesday as the team prepares for the 1-5 Chiefs.