Mark Kaboly of the Trib tweets that Ben Roethlisberger appears likely to play this weekend as the Steelers take on the Cleveland Browns.
A little gamesmanship going on when I asked Ben if he was ready to go. "Go ask Mike." This just in, he's starting.
The idea here, I think, is that this isn't something Roethlisberger would say if he weren't going to play. Anyway, this is no real shock. Roethlisberger also practiced Wednesday and Thursday. He's tough as nails about these things, and with a first-round bye potentially on the line, the Steelers have a lot to play for.
Kaboly also notes that Maurkice Pouncey will be making the start for the Steelers, which is good news, but is also no surprise. Pouncey was a full participant in practice Thursday. Troy Polamalu also returned to practice and will probably start as well.
For more on the Steelers, check out Behind The Steel Curtain.