Ben Roethlisberger Injury: Pulling Plug on Big Ben May Save Steelers' Season

According to John Clayton of ESPN, it appears that Ben Roethlisberger may not suit up:

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"Even though you can't rule out Ben Roethlisberger for Sunday, you figure they'll give Charlie Batch the start against St. Louis."

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To give more insight on the situation, NFL Network's Jason LaCanfora tweeted:

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"Steelers officials would be shocked if Ben plays this week."

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That being said, this is the right move for The Steel City to make.

For one, Pittsburgh has already locked up a playoff spot, so there's no need to fight for the division title when Big Ben is banged up. Additionally, all that matters is that the Steelers are once again playing in January.

As we all know, winning the division is nice, but let's be honest, anyone who says they want a division title over a Super Bowl doesn't belong in the playoffs to begin with. Already having won two Super Bowls and played in a third, a healthy Roethlisberger under center this postseason is what matters.

Backup Charlie Batch has proven to be one of the better backups and game-managing QBs in the NFL, so coach Mike Tomlin has good reason to trust him.

To give even more validity to the situation, not only has Pittsburgh already clinched a playoff berth, their final two games are at home against the 2-12 St. Louis Rams and at the 4-10 Cleveland Browns.

With a menacing defense, some speedy WRs and arguably the NFL's most reliable TE in Heath Miller (vastly underrated), there's supreme talent across the board to carry on without Big Ben.

Add in one of the NFL's best coaching staffs and Pittsburgh will win out even if Roethlisberger sits—so 12-4 is happening.

And if they have good fortune, the Baltimore Ravens will fall on the road to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 17. The Ravens are 3-4 on the road this season and have losses to Jacksonville, Seattle, Tennessee and San Diego, all of which are inferior opponents.

Therefore, Pittsburgh is in a comfortable position. They will win out with Batch under center, rest up Roethlisberger for the playoffs and still have a legit possibility of winning the AFC North.

If that's not a satisfying position to be in after 15 weeks with a banged up starting QB, then what is?

Follow John Rozum on Twitter @ Sportswriter27