Ben Roethlisberger Injury: Updates on Steelers QB's Week 15 Status

The Pittsburgh Steelers are lucky they're playing on Monday night in Week 15 because it gives Ben Roethlisberger some much-needed extra rest. 

Roethlisberger sprained his ankle against the Cleveland Browns last week, and even though he continued to play, the injury is still painful and hinders his chances to play against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday. 

It doesn't help either that the game is in San Francisco, but knowing how tough a player Roethlisberger is, you can't count him out until the day of the game. And even then it's still up in the air. 

Stay tuned here as we update you about Roethlisberger's status for Week 15. 

UPDATE: Sunday, Dec. 18 at 12:53 p.m. ET by Kyle Vassalo

ESPN's Chris Mortensen says the feeling is that Roethlisberger will play, but that he'll want to see how the ankle is feeling after he gets off the flight.

Big Ben undoubtedly wants to tough this one out, but it doesn't sound like his status is certain even still. This is truly becoming a game-time decision and though we've seen Roethlisberger play with a busted wheel before, it's still unclear whether or not he'll be able to give it a go tomorrow.

UPDATE: Sunday, Dec. 18 at 8:56 a.m. ET by Kyle Vassalo

ESPN's Tim Kavanaugh says that while Roethlisberger participated in practice on Friday and Saturday in a limited capacity, he's still listed as questionable for Monday night's game against the 49ers.

Roethlisberger is one of the toughest players in the league and if he can go, he certainly will. That being said, there is still a good chance we'll see Charlie Batch under center. One day before kickoff, Big Ben's status is just as uncertain as ever.

UPDATE: Thursday, Dec. 16 at 3:20 p.m. ET

Mike Bires covers the Steelers for the Beaver County Times, and he tweeted the latest on Roethlisberger's health. 

Everybody knows that Big Ben is a fighter, and many were expecting him to play on Monday night. The Steelers desperately need him out there in such a crucial game, and this good news for Steelers' fans.

As far as fantasy goes, wait to see what news is reported on Sunday, but I wouldn't run the risk of playing him. Of course, it all depends on who else you have a QB.  

Keep checking back for further updates, but right now, it appears as though Big Ben will play.

UPDATE: Thursday, Dec. 16 at 10:05 a.m. ET 

The Associated Press is reporting that Ben Roethlisberger is questionable for Monday's game against the 49ers.

"Coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday that Roethlisberger is ''day-to-day'' but is working ''tirelessly'' to be on the field against the 49ers." 

The Steelers need every win they can get, and for the Baltimore Ravens to lose a game here or there if Pittsburgh wants to win the division. 

They're a lock for the postseason, but winning the division is a goal the Steelers set out for every year. 

If Big Ben is unable to play, the Steelers will be in a very tough spot. Relying on the run game will be difficult because the 49ers have the best run defense in the NFL, having yet to allow a single rushing touchdown. 

Head coach Mike Tomlin told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that, "If [Ben] is going to play, he is going to practice in some form or fashion. I think that's appropriate. That is just my approach to this." 

Stay tuned to see if Big Ben finally makes it to practice this week. I know he's a tough guy, but I probably wouldn't start him on my fantasy team if he hasn't practiced the entire week. 

Depending on the news come Sunday, be careful with the decision you make. Since he plays on Monday, the safe bet is to just start a different quarterback because of the uncertainly of Big Ben's injury.