PITTSBURGH — Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is expected to miss tonight’s game at Baltimore because of a concussion.
Persons familiar with Roethlisberger’s status spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Saturday because the team has not made an announcement.
The development would force Dennis Dixon — who has thrown only one pass in two NFL seasons — to make his first NFL start in a game the Steelers might need to win to make the playoffs.
Roethlisberger practiced all week despite sustaining his fourth concussion since 2006 during a 27-24 overtime loss in Kansas City on Nov. 22. On Thursday, during his only interview of the week, he said he had been cleared to play, joking he passed “thousands of tests.”
Roethlisberger, however, experienced headaches resulting from the concussion — his knee struck the knee of Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson as he leaned headfirst during a running play in overtime — and he began debating the wisdom of playing after consulting with the team’s medical staff.
Colts’ Freeney out.
Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney will miss today’s game against the Texans.
Freeney was out of practice all week with an abdomen injury for the Colts, who have won 19 consecutive regular-season games.
Panthers star questionable.
Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith has sore ribs and has been added to the injury list as questionable for today’s game against the New York Jets at the Meadowlands.
Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson will miss his second straight game because of a strained chest muscle.
Dolphins’ Grove sidelined
Dolphins center Jake Grove will miss today’s game against the Bills because of an ankle injury.
Joe Berger will replace Grove.
Footnotes.
Jerry Rice and Emmitt Smith are among 25 semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Former Raiders receiver Tim Brown and Cardinals and Rams defensive back Aeneas Williams were the only other players selected in their first year of eligibility.
The semifinalists include a coach, Don Coryell, and two contributors, Art Modell and former commissioner Paul Tagliabue. The list will be reduced to 15 by Jan. 7.
• The Jets waived former Pro Bowl cornerback and kick returner Justin Miller one month after re-signing him.
• The Bills signed defensive lineman Corey Mace to their 53-man roster and released tight end Joe Klopfenstein, who played at Colorado.
The Associated Press
