Ben Roethlisberger Injury: Charlie Batch to Start vs. Rams

Ben Roethlisberger is going to take a seat on Saturday.

According to a report from the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, the Pittsburgh Steelers have decided to bench Big Ben for Saturday's game against the St. Louis Rams. Veteran backup Charlie Batch will get the start in his stead.

Roethlisberger is dealing with a high-ankle sprain that he suffered on Dec. 8 against the Cleveland Browns. He was able to return to action in that game, but it was clear that he was in pain.

Roethlisberger didn't look much better on Monday night against the San Francisco 49ers. His mobility was severely limited, and the 49ers took advantage of that by pressuring him as often as they could. Big Ben was sacked three times and threw three interceptions.

The plan is to give Roethlisberger as much rest as possible, so it is currently unknown if he will even dress for Saturday's game. The Tribune-Review notes that he is listed as questionable, and he may serve as an emergency quarterback if he does end up dressing.

Given the circumstances, the Rams are an ideal opponent for the Steelers. The Rams are dead last in the NFL in scoring offense, and they will also likely be without their starting quarterback. Per Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Bradford is "very doubtful" for Saturday's game.

With Roethlisberger out, the Steelers will rely on their elite defense to keep the Rams in check, and hope that Batch can provide a serviceable performance.

The Steelers have already clinched a playoff berth, but are hoping to win the AFC North for the second year in a row.