PITTSBURGH — Ben Roethlisberger is back on his feet again — both of them.
The Steelers quarterback practiced Tuesday for the first time since injuring his right foot during the team’s final training camp practice, and coach Mike Tomlin said Roethlisberger will play in Saturday night’s exhibition game against Buffalo.
“He won’t be limited in any form or fashion,” Tomlin said.
Roethlisberger sat out last Saturday’s game against Washington two days after left tackle Max Starks accidentally stepped on the quarterback’s right foot minutes before the Steelers ended training camp in Latrobe, Pa.
During practice Tuesday at the team’s training complex, Roethlisberger took part in individual drills, including the 7-on-7 passing drills, but did not take any snaps with the entire offense on the field until late in the workout. A bag of ice was strapped onto the back of his right foot minutes before practice ended.
“We like where he is,” Tomlin said.
The Steelers will be without second-year quarterback Dennis Dixon (separated right shoulder) against Buffalo, meaning more snaps for backup Charlie Batch.
Ross reinjures hamstring
ALBANY, N.Y. — The Giants ended training camp with new concerns about Aaron Ross. The starting cornerback reinjured his left hamstring on the second play of an 11-on-11 drill when he turned quickly to cover Steve Smith going deep.
Ross fell to the grass and grabbed his hamstring, the same injury that recently kept him out for a week. The third-year pro had returned to practice Monday.
“It felt like someone shot me,” Ross said. “It was cramping in three different places. Hopefully, it won’t take more than 18 days. The first game is in 19 days.”
• Former Giants receiver Plaxico Burress said he plans to return to the NFL after serving a two-year prison sentence on a weapons charge.
Avery makes early return
ST. LOUIS — Rams receiver Donnie Avery had been expected to miss up to the first two weeks of the season with a left foot stress fracture, but was back on the practice field.
“Like I tell my teammates, you know, I run fast but I heal faster,” Avery said jokingly.
Avery said he might not play in the preseason finale Sept. 3 against Kansas City, but he will be ready for the regular-season opener Sept. 13 at Seattle. “Oh, yeah, zero doubts,” Avery said.
Footnotes.
The agent for Edgerrin James said the league’s leading active rusher signed a one-year contract with the Seahawks, who waived running back T.J. Duckett.
• Bills coach Dick Jauron ruled out receiver Terrell Owens (toe) from playing Saturday at Pittsburgh, while running back Fred Jackson is questionable for the game after aggravating a left thumb injury.
• The Jaguars re-signed Ernest Wilford, giving him a chance to make the roster as a tight end a day after the Dolphins terminated his contract.
• Saints place-kicker Garrett Hartley received a four-game suspension after he tested positive for the banned stimulant Adderall, which he said he used to stay awake while driving from Dallas to New Orleans for an offseason workout.
• Former Dolphins defensive lineman T.J. Turner died Monday in Lufkin, Texas, of complications from a stroke. He was 46.
The Associated Press
