Ben Roethlisberger Injury: Updates on Steelers QB's Week 16 Status

While Ben Roethlisberger did help lead his team to a win over the Cleveland Browns in the immediate wake of suffering an ankle injury, he's obviously in a banged-up state. 

His performance against the Browns was two games ago. On this week's Monday Night Football, while Roethlisberger did throw for 330 yards in San Francisco, the 49ers recorded three sacks, three interceptions and one fumble against him in a 20-3 win. 

The Steelers (10-4) now have to deal with a short week. After their Monday night loss, they have to return home for a Saturday game against the 2-11 St. Louis Rams. 

Keep checking here for updates on Roethlisberger's status for the Steelers' Week 16 game vs. the Rams.

UPDATE: Saturday, Dec. 24 at 12:05 p.m. EST by Richard Langford

Roethlisberger will not start for the Steelers, but he will be active. This news comes to us via Rotoworld.com. If all goes will for Pittsburgh, Charlie Batch will start, finish and win the game against the hapless Rams, and Big Ben will get a week of rest.  

UPDATE: Friday, Dec. 23 at 1:35 p.m. EST by Mike Chiari

As had been speculated, it appears as though Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will miss the team's Week 16 game against the St. Louis Rams with an ankle injury. According to Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Big Ben has, in fact, been ruled out.

In fantasy terms it is now safe to remove Roethlisberger from your lineup. Charlie Batch will start in his place so I would no longer consider receiver Antonio Brown a viable fantasy option either. Receiver Mike Wallace will see a decrease in production, but he is still a must-start in all leagues. Above all else, running back Rashard Mendenhall should receive a nice bump in Big Ben's absence.

UPDATE: Friday, Dec. 23 at 9:20 a.m. EST by Mike Chiari

With a playoff spot already clinched, things don't look good in terms of Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger playing against the St. Louis Rams on Saturday. Since the Steelers played Monday night, Big Ben has had little time to let his injured ankle heel further.

Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette speculates that it is unlikely Roethlisberger will play due to the fact that he hasn't practiced all week, and only a light Friday practice remains. If Big Ben can't go, then Charlie Batch would start in his place.

I think it's safe to say that you should look for a replacement for Roethlisberger in what is a vital week in fantasy football. Big Ben's absence also hurts the value of wide receivers Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown. Still, continue to monitor Roethlisberger's status leading up to game time as he is known to play through some tough injuries.

UPDATE: Thursday, Dec. 22 at 10:18 a.m EST

F. Dale Lolley of observer-reporter.com is reporting that Roethlisberger is refuting Jason La Canfora's earlier reports (see below) that he will most likely sit this weekends game:

"

"The NFL Network said that?" said Roethlisberger, when asked if he was surprised by the report. "Not really. They always like to say things.

"Unless coach has said something, I'm going to wait to hear it from him."

"

"

Center Maurkice Pouncey, who practiced on a limited basis Wednesday after sitting out last week's game with the same injury, expects Roethlisberger to be on the field.

"If he played last week, with the short week, he'll be ready to play this week," said Pouncey, who is expected to return this week.

"

Obviously Roethlisberger and his teammates feel he will be on the field, but ultimately we have to believe that the decision will come down to the front office and coaches.

Is he really needed to beat 2-12 Rams at home? That is the question that many Steelers fans are undoubtedly asking themselves, as resting Roethlisberger's ankle before the playoffs has to be a very appealing idea. 

UPDATE: Wednesday, Dec. 21 at 11:28 a.m EST

Jason La Canfora of NFL Network is reporting that while nothing has been officially announced, it's likely that Roethlisberger will sit on Saturday against the Rams. He also added that it's possible that Roethliberger will miss the regular season finale in Cleveland on Jan. 1.

This makes sense. The Rams are a team that the Steelers should beat with or without Roethlisberger. Additionally, even if they win their remaining two games, the Ravens control their own destiny for the AFC North title and are in favorable matchups.

Even if they play Roethlisberger and get the wins, it's unlikely that a division title and/or bye week will come.  

UPDATE: Tuesday, Dec. 20 at 5:09 p.m. EST

ESPN's John Clayton reported via Twitter that it's likely that Charlie Batch will start in Roethlisberger's place vs. the Rams.

Follow @mdixon1985