Ben Roethlisberger Out With Rib Injury for Steelers' Week 13 Clash

If the Pittsburgh Steelers are going to beat the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, they'll have to do it without Ben Roethlisberger. 

Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk reports that the Steelers' star quarterback has been officially ruled out of Sunday's game due to injuries to his rib and shoulder. The game will mark Roethlisberger's third consecutive missed start.

The Steelers lost 13-10 against Baltimore with Byron Leftwich making the start in Week 11. Charlie Batch is expected to start Sunday.

The Steelers had been hopeful that Roethlisberger would be able to come back this week after suffering a 20-14 loss to the Cleveland Browns with Batch at quarterback. However, Roethlisberger's arm strength hasn't returned to the point that he will be able to make the start. 

This is a big blow to Pittsburgh's chances against the Ravens. While fumbles from the Steelers stable of running backs were a big contributor, Pittsburgh's offense turned the ball over eight times against the Browns in Roethlisberger's absence. 

The news comes at an awful time for the Steelers as they are tied with the Cincinnati Bengals for second in the division at 6-5 and have a much more difficult matchup this week. The Bengals will play the 4-7 San Diego Chargers on the road. 

The Steelers will need Roethlisberger back soon if they hope to make a playoff run.