Ben Roethlisberger Injury: Steelers Would Lose to 49ers Without Star QB

Ben Roethlisberger is questionable for Monday night's game against San Fransisco, and if he is unable to play, the Steelers will have no shot.

Regardless of your feelings on Big Ben, there's no denying that he is one of the toughest players in the league, so I don't expect a mere high ankle sprain to keep him out. ESPN's John Clayton agrees.

But if Roethlisberger can't suit up, Pittsburgh is in big trouble.

The 49ers are 10-3 and possess one of the best defenses in the league. They are one of the only teams to contain Eli Manning in the fourth quarter, so they shouldn't have any trouble with Charlie Batch or Dennis Dixon.

San Fransisco also has a ridiculous run defense, so don't expect Rashard Mendenhall to go off.

The Niners allow just 70.5 rushing yards per game, best in the NFL. They have also yet to give up a rushing touchdown on the season.

That's insane given that they've faced elite running backs like LeSean McCoy, Ray Rice and Beanie Wells.

The Steelers will also have to deal with the absence of center Maurkice Pouncey. Pouncey has officially been ruled out, leaving a gaping hole in Pittsburgh's offensive line.

Even with Roethlisberger in the lineup, the Steelers would have a tough time against San Fransisco.

Without him, they would be completely screwed.