Ben Roethlisberger Injury: Big Ben Will Start on MNF, Willis Out for 49ers

Ben Roethlisberger may be called a great many things, most are not the least bit pleasant, but he has never backed down from a fight as news hits that he will suit up for the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday Night Football. 

The question loomed as to whether his painful ankle injury would keep him from a tough matchup against a stout San Francisco 49ers team. As Jay Glazer of Foxsports.com reports, Big Ben will step up and play in the important game. 

The polarizing star quarterback can never be said to bow to injury and pain. He suffered a gruesome looking ankle injury in the week 14 game against the Cleveland Browns, only to return later in the game and lead the Steelers to victory. 

The extra time from that Thursday game to Monday Night's contest seems to have paid off as Pittsburgh will have their offensive leader in tow in what should be a marvelous game. 

The Steelers are done a great service by Roethlisberger stepping up and playing amidst what is still a very sore ankle. The Steelers may be playoff bound, but they are still fighting to secure post season seeding. 

There is no measure for how much this means to the team. Last week, Antonio Brown told reporters that he was smitten with the effort given by Roethlisberger. Via ESPN.

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You can't say enough about our quarterback. t's amazing to play with a guy like that who exemplifies that type of toughness.

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That same sentiment will carry over in this game as Big Ben throws some dirt on his ankle and prepares to put forth a winning effort. 

Patrick Willis Won't Play vs. Steelers

The Steelers aren't the only ones to deal with injuries. News is breaking that Patrick Willis will be out of the marquee Monday night matchup. 

Mike Sando of ESPN tweets this piece of bad news for 49ers fans. 

The linebacker will be sorely missed, especially considering that the Steelers will now have an offensive edge with Big Ben playing. 

With Willis sidelined and the Steelers getting an emotional rush, you can pretty much nullify the home field advantage that Nines had coming into this one. 

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com reports that Braylon Edwards will also sit out this all-important affair. The Steelers will continue to finish the season strong in what looks like a guaranteed victory against an otherwise stout 49ers squad. 

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