Big Ben to Play in Pre-Season Opener

[jimster]

Roethlisberger to Play in Steelers' Exhibition Opener

http://sports.iwon.com/news/08102006/v9645.html

Aug 10, 12:13 PM (ET) Email this Story

PITTSBURGH (AP) - Ben Roethlisberger will start the Pittsburgh Steelers' exhibition game at Arizona on Saturday, two months to the day of the serious motorcycle accident that left him with a broken jaw, nose and other facial injuries.

Roethlisberger has been lobbying coach Bill Cowher since camp opened July 28 to allow him to play, but Cowher had not confirmed until Thursday that the quarterback would start.

Roethlisberger will play only a series or two before Cowher inserts Charlie Batch. Most of the playing time is expected to go to the quarterbacks competing for the No. 3 job, free agent Shane Boyd and fifth-round draft pick Omar Jacobs.

Roethlisberger, who led the Steelers to a Super Bowl championship in his second season as a starter earlier this year, had not missed any training camp practice time due to the accident and has not seemed to be affected by it.

His weight is down to about 235 pounds, about 15 pounds fewer than last season, but Roethlisberger said he planned to lose weight in advance of camp even if there hadn't been an accident.

A year ago, Roethlisberger failed to lead a single touchdown drive during limited playing time in the preseason, but the Steelers went on to score 61 points in winning their first two regular season games.

Wide receiver Hines Ward, out since Friday with a sore hamstring, won't play and will be replaced by second-year receiver Nate Washington. However, Cowher said first-round draft pick Santonio Holmes of Ohio State is expected to see considerable playing time.