Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger didn’t practice with the starting offense for the second day in a row Thursday, a sign he is unlikely to play in the team’s final regular-season game Sunday in Baltimore.
With the Steelers (10-5) already assured of playing a home playoff game Jan. 5 or 6, it appears unlikely coach Mike Tomlin will risk Roethlisberger aggravating the right ankle he sprained late in the team’s 41-24 win at St. Louis on Dec. 20.
Charlie Batch took the snaps with the starters again Thursday and is expected to start for the fourth time in the last three seasons.
He was 2-0 as a starter in 2005 and 1-0 last season, but hasn’t started since the Steelers’ 2006 opener against Miami — when Roethlisberger sat out after having his appendix removed.
Parcells goes to work with Dolphins.
Bill Parcells reported to his new job and quickly put aside one theory about what ails the Miami Dolphins.
It turns out they really do practice.
Parcells was on the field for Thursday’s workout and a firsthand look at the NFL’s worst team. He signed a four-year contract last week to become executive vice president of football operations.
“When he walked out, everybody noticed,” defensive tackle Vonnie Holliday said. “There was a whisper here and there.”
Colts WR Harrison practices.
Eight-time Pro Bowl receiver Marvin Harrison returned to practice with the Indianapolis Colts after missing 10 games with a knee injury.
Harrison may be available against Tennessee on Sunday night. He has not played since Oct. 22.
Kaeding hurt; Chargers try out four kickers.
The San Diego Chargers auditioned four kickers and could sign one of them to handle kickoff duties because of Nate Kaeding’s bruised lower left leg.
Kaeding bruised his leg helping to make a tackle on a kickoff in Monday night’s 23-3 win against Denver. Those working out were Billy Cundiff, Josh Huston, Nick Novak and Dave Rayner.
Raiders DT Sapp fined $75,000.
Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Warren Sapp was fined $75,000 by the NFL for his confrontation with officials that led to his ejection last week.
Defensive end Derrick Burgess was also fined $25,000 for actions in the same sequence.
Bears put Vasher on IR.
The Bears put cornerback Nathan Vasher on injured reserve. A groin injury ruined his season.
