The Pittsburgh Steelers lead the Cleveland Browns 7-3 at the end of the first half on Thursday Night Football. The big news for Steelers fans is on the injury front as Ben Roethlisberger left the game with an apparent ankle injury in the middle of the second quarter. Roethlisberger's left leg was hit low by Scott Paxson. Ben was hit high by Brian Schaefring and his left leg rolled up under his body as we went to the turf. Big Ben needed a golf cart to be transported in the tunnel to the locker room.
X-rays on Ben's left leg were negative, but it's still unclear if it's solely an ankle issue or if there's another problem with the left leg.
In addition to Roethlisberger, center Maurkice Pouncey also left the game late in the half, hobbled with an ankle injury that forced the club to characterize his return as questionable. Doug Legursky is filling in at center.
Charlie Batch replaced Roethlisberger, and threw two incomplete passes before the end of the half. The Steelers moved the ball right down the field on their opening drive, taking the 7-3 lead on a Jerricho Cotchery touchdown catch. But the offense stalled after that, with the Browns forcing two turnovers and knocking Ben out of the game. It's a defense that is weak against the run and was pummeled by Ray Rice last Sunday, so with Roethlisberger out, expect the Steelers to pound it on the ground for much of the second half.
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