Why Pittsburgh Steelers Need to Sit Ben Roethlisberger Until Playoffs

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger tried to gut it out on Monday night, playing through severe pain in his left ankle to try and get his team a win. That may not have been such a good idea.

The day after his team took a 20-3 beating at the hands of the San Francisco 49ers, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin wouldn't commit to starting Big Ben this weekend against the St. Louis Rams.

Frankly after seeing how bad Roethlisberger was on Monday night, it might be best for everyone involved if he doesn't play again until the playoffs.

Right now the Steelers are 10-4, and to earn a bye in the first round of the playoffs, they would need both the Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens to lose games over the next two weeks. That is unlikely to happen.

That means Pittsburgh would likely have to win three straight playoff games to reach the Super Bowl. If they hope to do that, they need Roethlisberger healthy.

Against the 49ers, Roethlisberger was clearly not comfortable in the pocket. He was visibly hobbling around and favoring his injured ankle.

On the night Big Ben completed 25-of-44 passes for 330 yards, with no touchdowns, three interceptions and two fumbles, one of which he lost. It was just the second time this season the 29-year-old failed to throw a touchdown pass.

The Steelers are likely going to win their final two games with or without Roethlisberger. They get the 2-12 Rams at home this Saturday before wrapping up the season on the road against the 4-10 Cleveland Browns. Charlie Batch and Pittsburgh's defense should be able to handle the task of winning those last two games.

The Steelers need their quarterback at as close to 100 percent as possible if they hope to make a run in the playoffs. The only way for that to happen is if the team sits Roethlisberger and allows his ankle to heal over the next two weeks.