NFL News and Rumors: Pittsburgh Steeler's Ben Roethlisberger Plays vs. Broncos Despite Shoulder Injury; Mike Munchak, Joey Porter Fined $10,000 Each

By Jomar Endriga
4613481
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger starts for the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday's match against the Denver Broncos.  Flickr.com/andy_emcee

Despite a recent injury to his right throwing shoulder, Ben Roethlisberger still plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers' match against the Denver Broncos on Sunday's AFC Divisional Round.

The 33-year-old quarterback sustained a sprained AC joint in Pittsburgh's comeback victory over the Cincinnati Bengals last weekend. He went down late in the third quarter as he was hit by linebacker Vontaze Burfict. Roethlisberger was replaced by fellow QB Landry Jones for nearly the entire fourth quarter before returning for the team's game-winning drive.

It was confirmed on Tuesday that he also had torn ligaments in his shoulder. He practiced for the first time on Friday and was listed as questionable for Sunday's match in Denver. A source told ESPN that the Steelers were pleased enough with "Big Ben's" throwing session during said practice that he became less of a question mark for the upcoming showdown.

If Roethlisberger still cannot go or is ineffective, the team have Landry Jones prepared to fill in for him. Both Roethlisberger and Jones are the active quarterbacks, while third-stringer Mike Vick, wide receiver Antonio Brown and running back DeAngelo Williams have all been put on the inactive list for this week.

"Of course, the assumption would be, considering the type of injuries he has, that he'll be a little limited today. But my understanding is that's not really the case. I would expect to see Roethlisberger - arm-strength-wise - actually himself on the field. They should have the full playbook available," NFL Network's Ian Rapoport said on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the NFL has slapped Steelers outside linebackers coach Joey Porter and offensive line coach Mike Munchak with a $10,000 fine each for their actions during the team's match versus the Bengals last Saturday, Rapoport further reports.

Porter was fined for being on the field and reportedly inciting the players. He had a run-in with Bengals cornerback Adam Jones during an injury timeout while Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown was being tended to following a nasty contact with Vontaze Burfict. According to league rules, only the head coach and medical staff can come out during an injury, which was the time the Steelers coach was on the field drawing the flag.

Munchak, on the other hand, was given a 15-yard penalty for his actions when Reggie Nelson ran onto the Steelers' sideline as the game ended. The offensive line coach appeared to shove the Bengals safety and grab his hair.

Players who were fined include Bengals defensive end Wallace Gibberry, Bengals defensive tackle Domato Peko, and Steelers offensive lineman Roman Foster. It was Adam Jones who received the biggest blow to his wallet as the NFL fined him $28,940 for "unsportsmanlike conduct, making contact with a game official" while he was going after Porter.

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.

Top Stories