PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) - When Ben Roethlisberger popped up on Friday's injury report with his right shoulder included along with the pec and hip (which have been weekly staples) there was at least some mild concern that it might affect his status for Monday night's game against Chicago at Heinz Field.
But, after being "limited" Thursday, Friday and Saturday, the 18-year veteran was a full participant Saturday morning, the final full practice of the game week.
"Ben's playing," Mike Tomlin declared. "It's just things to manage. He's been doing this a long time, we've been doing it a long time with him. We generally do a good job of communicating and managing such things. You should anticipate him playing."
On the other side of the ball, Minkah Fitzpatrick watched in street clothes but Tomlin indicated that there is nothing wrong with his All-Pro safety. "I just gave him a day off. The injury report will reflect that he's also playing," Tomlin said, although it is highly unusual for a player to get the so-called "veteran's day" for the practice that most reflects what they will do in the upcoming game.
Both Cam Heyward and Chris Boswell, who began the week as limited, practiced fully for a second straight day. Eric Ebron, who was limited Friday, limited again on Saturday and could miss his second straight game with a hamstring injury. Reserve guard/center BJ Finney did not practice again dealing with a back injury.
Meanwhile, if you're wondering if veteran receiver Anthony Miller, who has spent three weeks on the practice squad, might get a promotion to the game-day roster against Chicago where he played for three seasons after they drafted him in 2018? "I don't talk about practice squad guys," Tomlin answered.
