James Harrison said he spends up to $600K per year on his body. (Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

Cincinnati Bengals linebacker James Harrison said this week that he spends up to $600,000 “year in and year out” on services for his body, half of his guaranteed salary over the next two years, for services that include a six-person live-in staff during the season, and said he will do “whatever there is” to make himself better and healthier.

After being released by the Pittsburgh Steelers last year, Harrison, 35, was given a contract by the Bengals in April after the team determined he was past a knee injury that caused him to miss training camp and the first three games of last season. The Bengals’ contract with Harrison is for $4.45 million over two years. Only his $1.2 million signing bonus is guaranteed, so he essentially spends nearly half of his guaranteed salary over the next two years on his own body. Over the previous four seasons, Harrison earned more than $23 million. The live-in staff includes a chiropractor, an acupuncturist, a homeopathic doctor, a trainer and a number of masseuses.

GALLERY: Harrison’s epic 100-yard interception return for touchdown

Now entering his 11th season, the 6’2″, 242 lb. linebacker said spending that kind of money is the only way he knows to best position himself for a long NFL career, according to Cincinnati sports writer Paul Daugherty:

“You want to stay in this business for a while, you’re going to have to take care of your body. If you want to do that, you’re going to have to spend money. It’s not cheap. I spend between $400,000 and $600,000 on body work, year in and year out. I tried out maybe 150 different massage people. Now I’m down to five. I got six people I regularly see.”

The Steelers could draft a quarterback in this year’s draft, to groom an eventual Roethlisberger replacement (Diamond Images/Getty Images)

The Steelers haven’t taken a quarterback since 2008, when the team drafted Dennis Dixon in the fifth round. But the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Steelers GM Kevin Colbert said the team was open to the possibility of drafting a quarterback this year.

The Steelers have a need for solid backup QBs, with Ben Roethlisberger out with injuries a little too frequently. Per Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the team isn’t looking for someone to replace Big Ben in the near future. Instead, the team is interested in a developmental prospect to groom over several years while Roethlisberger remains in charge.

The Steelers believe Tennessee’s Tyler Bray is the most talented quarterback in this year’s draft class, but not yet quite ready for the NFL. Bray, needing some time to develop and mature, could fit well into the Steelers’ plans for a drafted quarterback.

With Bruce Gradkowski signed to be a backup and John Parker Wilson on the roster, if the Steelers do draft a quarterback, it would likely be the end of Charlie Batch’s time with the Steelers.

The Cincinnati Bengals have agreed to terms with former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison on a two-year deal, Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Harrison has spent his entire nine-year career as a mainstay of the Steelers defense at the linebacker position. Last season, Harrison recorded 49 tackles and six sacks while forcing two fumbles in 12 games for the Steelers. He tallied 64.5 sacks and 4o2 tackles during his nine years in Pittsburgh.

Harrison was released by the Steelers on March 9 after failing to agree upon a salary reduction.

The Bengals will play the Steelers in Week 2 and Week 15 of the 2013 NFL regular season.

Whodey!!!!!!!!!!! Hello Cincinnati!!!!—
James Harrison (@jharrison9292) April 19, 2013

The Pittsburgh Steelers have matched the offer sheet given to wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders, his agent said on Twitter Sunday night.

Sanders, a restricted free agent, signed a one-year, $2.5 million offer sheet with the New England Patriots on Wednesday, and it was unclear if the salary-cap troubled Steelers would match the offer to keep the promising young receiver in Pittsburgh. Jordan Woy, Sanders’ agent, confirmed that the Steelers had decided to match the offer on Sunday.

CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora reported that Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger lobbied hard to keep Sanders in Pittsburgh, making the case to head coach Mike Tomlin and others in the organization. In his third NFL season last year, the 26-year-old Sanders had 44 receptions for 626 yards and one touchdown.

Pitt has matched the RFA offer sheet on Emmanuel Sanders. First RFA to get offer in 3 years

— Jordan Woy (@JordanWoy) April 14, 2013

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders, a restricted free agent, has signed an offer sheet with the New England Patriots, reports CBS’s Jason La Canfora on Twitter.

The Patriots just submitted an offer sheet on Steelers WR Emmanuel Sanders. some actual restricted free agent movement. Wow

— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) April 10, 2013

NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport reports the two sides agreed to a one-year deal.

Sanders visited New England earlier in the offseason but didn’t sign then. The Steelers have five days to match New England’s offer if they want to keep Sanders. If they choose not to bring back the wide receiver, the Steelers would receive a third-round draft pick as compensation.

(BURKE: Rebuilding Steelers may be OK losing Sanders to Pats)

ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting that the “money won’t be determining factor. Money will be modest.” But the Steelers are only about $2 million under the salary cap and may need to be creative to bring back Sanders. The team could restructure the contracts of some veteran players to free more cap space now, but doing so would lead to further problems in the future.

Sanders started seven games last season, his third in the NFL. He caught 44 passes for 626 yards.

Plaxico Burress will have to auction his home after a court ruling from a traffic incident nearly five years ago, back when he was with the Giants. (Al Bello/Getty Images)

A circuit court has ordered the Virginia Beach home of Steelers wide receiver Plaxico Burress to be auctioned, according to USA Today. The mandate was issued to satisfy liens against the property that came as a result of a 2008 traffic accident in Florida.

From the USA Today report:

Judge H. Thomas Padrick Jr. ordered Monday the property will be sold at auction no more than one week following the fifth advertisement of the sale in the local newspaper, according to court documents emailed to USA TODAY Sports by James Dunn, the lawyer for the plaintiff in the suit.

Burress’ driving license was suspended on March 25. The Virginia Beach property was valued at $460,000; Burress owes $159,000 to a woman who claimed he caused neck and back injuries after he rear-ended her nearly five years ago. At the time, Burress was playing for the Giants.

Burress, 35, played in three games for the Steelers last season. He had 42 yards and one touchdown.

The Cowboys used more salary cap tweaks to officially sign free agent safety Will Allen and linebacker Justin Durant, according to The Dallas Morning News.

Cutting wide receiver Anthony Armstrong and reworking the contract of backup quarterback Kyle Orton Wednesday allowed the Cowboys to free up the approximately $1 million needed to sign Allen (one-year deal) and linebacker Justin Durant (two-year deal). Armstrong didn’t have a reception for the Cowboys last season.

Allen started just seven games for the Steelers in the last three seasons. He previously played six seasons for the Buccaneers.

The Cowboys hosted free agent safety Michael Huff Monday, but he agreed to terms on a three-year, $6 million contract with the Ravens on Wednesday.

Durant, who started 26 games for the Lions in the last seasons, is expected to compete with Kyle Wilber at outside linebacker. He confirmed his move to Dallas via Twitter:

Shout out to Detroit man I wanna thank y'all for the luv and support y'all showed me the past couple years I really appreciate it—
Justin Durant (@JDurant52) March 26, 2013

I thank the organization for allowing me the opportunity to play the last 2 years I am forever grateful—
Justin Durant (@JDurant52) March 26, 2013

Preciate the luv from everybody in Dallas—
Justin Durant (@JDurant52) March 27, 2013

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Green Bay Packers have expressed interest in signing free-agent running back Ahmad Bradshaw, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Sunday.

The New York Giants released Bradshaw, a six-year veteran, in early February, turning their lead running back spot over to David Wilson. Both the Steelers and Packers are looking for depth at the running back position. The Steelers lost Rashard Mendenhall to the Arizona Cardinals. The Packers, meanwhile, have been linked to free agents Peyton Hillis and Steven Jackson, who signed with the Atlanta Falcons last week.

Bradshaw, who will soon turn 27, underwent surgery on his right foot after the season, but if he returns to full strength he could be a major bargain. In 14 games with the Giants last season, he carried the ball 221 times for 1,015 yards, a 4.6-yard average. He also had 23 receptions for 245 yards.

Packers and Steelers have expressed interest in former Giants RB Ahmad Bradshaw.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 17, 2013

The Steelers and Ravens are expected to vie for former Broncos defensive end Elvis Dumervil’s services. (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

The latest chapter of the longstanding rivalry between the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers could be an offseason battle for free-agent pass rusher Elvis Dumervil.

Because of a contract snafu, the Denver Broncos cut Dumervil on Friday. The Baltimore Sun’s Aaron Wilson reported on Sunday that the Ravens and Steelers — along with the New England Patriots and Tennessee Titans — could be two of the teams looking to scoop up Dumervil.

Both the Steelers and Ravens are looking for pass-rushing help after losing two of the AFC North’s marquee names this offseason. The Steelers were forced to cut James Harrison because of salary-cap issues, and the Ravens lost linebacker Paul Kruger to the Cleveland Browns.

The Broncos cut Dumervil on Friday because of a late paperwork filing the team blamed on Dumervil’s camp. Denver executive vice president John Elway said the team did not receive a fax in time after Dumervil had agreed to take a pay cut next season. Dumervil has since fired his agent.

The 29-year-old Dumervil had 54 tackles, 11 sacks and six forced fumbles while playing in all 16 games with the Broncos last season.

Willie Colon has signed a one-year, $1.2 million deal with the New York Jets. Colon was released by the Steelers earlier this week to clear $5.5 million in Pittsburgh’s cap space.

The seven-year vet has experience at both guard and tackle, and should make a nice addition to the Jets, provided his chronically injured knees hold up.  Colon has had three consecutive seasons end because of his knees; his 2012 season ended with a knee injury that required surgery to repair.

Jets have signed OL Willie Colon to a 1 yr deal. Another potential steal if he can stay healthy—
Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 15, 2013

Running back Rashard Mendenhall has rushed for 3,549 career yards, but struggled with injury and fumbling problems last season. (Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

Signing a running back in free agency is one of the Denver Broncos’ top priorities, and they could find a fit in former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall, according to The Denver Post‘s Mike Klis.

The 25-year-old two-time 1,000-yard rusher is one of 12 to 15 free agents the Broncos have identified as a potential fit at the right price, Klis is reporting. Their current backfield consists of starter Willis McGahee, who is recovering from knee surgery and a broken leg at 32 years old, and backups Knowshon Moreno and Ronnie Hillman.

Denver, which went 13-3 and lost in the AFC divisional playoffs last season, is seeking a back with size like Mendenhall’s, 225 pounds, and the 2008 first-round pick has experienced success as a starter before, totaling 3,549 yards and 29 touchdowns in his five-year career.

But Mendenhall struggled to bounce back from a torn ACL and was limited to just six games and 3.6 yards per carry last season, fumbling three times.

The Broncos’ level of interest in him is unknown, and the team is also looking to fill several other needs, according to Klis.

While contacting agents of these free-agent players, the Broncos to date have said little more than they have some interest and they’ll back to them later.

Free-agent discussions figure to intensify Monday with the market officially opening at 2 p.m. MDT Tuesday.

The Broncos are interested in signing a cornerback and running back. They may also seek depth at safety, receiver, defensive tackle, offensive line and possibily defensive end if they can’t work out a reduced contract with Elvis Dumervil.

The Dolphins appear to be in the lead to sign free agent wideout Mike Wallace. (Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

The Miami Dolphins appear to be the front-runner to sign free-agent wide receiver Mike Wallace when the free-agent signing period starts on Tuesday, reports FoxSports.com.

The Dolphins are trying to upgrade their offensive weapons, having already re-signed wideout Brian Hartline to a five-year contract extension earlier this week.

Wallace spent his first four seasons in the NFL with the Pittsburgh Steelers becoming one of the league’s premier deep threats. He reportedly turned down a five-year, $50 million offer from the Steelers last offseason. After two straight seasons with over 1,000 yards receiving, Wallace only had 64 receptions for 836 yards and eight touchdowns last season.

He is seeking a long-term deal “He prefers warm weather,” the source said.

Wallace would be the speed threat that Miami’s offense has lacked. Wallace has a 17.2-yard average per catch despite Pittsburgh shifting to a short passing offense in 2012.

Wallace was expected to draw offers from multiple teams that would average between $11 million and $12 million a season. But the steamy climate where the Dolphins are based could be the tiebreaker as Wallace mulls where to play.

Ben Roethlisberger is on the books for the fourth highest NFL quarterback salary in 2013. (Karl Walter/Getty Images)

A day after Tom Brady inked a team-friendly extension with the Patriots, another AFC rival is reportedly reworking a quarterback’s contract to gain some cap relief.

The Steelers have been working on a renegotiated contract for quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, according to a source in a report by Albert Breer of NFL.com. An agreement could come by the end of the week.

Unlike Brady’s extension, the Steelers are looking to rework — not extend — Roethlisberger’s current contract that has three years remaining. He is scheduled to take up a salary-cap figure of $19.595 million in 2013 — the fourth highest among NFL quarterbacks — for a Steelers team that could wind up with 10 players taking up more than $100 million in cap space.

Roethlisberger is unlikely to lose money in a restructured deal. A portion of his 2013 salary could be converted into a bonus, which would then be pro-rated over the life of the contract and give the team some salary cap relief. The Steelers traditionally have extended their quarterbacks with two years remaining, lining Roethlisberger up for a new contract after the 2013 season.

The Steelers are also reportedly talking new deals for James Harrison and Lawrence Timmons, while scheduling a visit from free agent receiver Steve Breaston this week.

The Eagles have reportedly agreed to a two-year deal with quarterback Dennis Dixon, reports Albert Breer. Dixon, 28, played for Eagles coach Chip Kelly at Oregon and was drafted by the Steelers in the fifth round (156th overall) of the 2008 draft.

Dixon played in four games with the Steelers from 2008 to 2010. He tore his meniscus at the beginning of the 2010 season and was placed on Injured Reserve. The Ravens signed Dixon to their practice squad in 2012 but he did not appear in a regular season game.

Dixon also spent time playing pro baseball for minor league affiliates of the Braves in 2007.

Eagles announce they've come to terms w/QB Dennis Dixon on a 2-year deal. Played for Kelly at Oregon in 2007, Chip's first year as OC there.—
Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) February 14, 2013

Steelers rookie running back and former Florida Gator Chris Rainey was arrested for “simple battery” (dating violence), according to the Gainesville Sun. Rainey and the victim got into a verbal argument which later turned physical, as witnesses observed Rainey slap her across the face. According to the police report, Rainey was taken to the Alachua County Jail for booking. No visible injuries were suffered by either party.

Rainey admitted to the altercation, but not slapping the witness, according to Ian Rapoport:

G'ville officer: Ben Tobias told NFLN Rainey "did admit to some of altercation." Didn't admit slapping. "We had several witnesses to that."—
Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 10, 2013

The arrest is not Rainey’s first — he also pled guilty to a misdemeanor stalking charge in 2010 after sending a text message to his girlfriend that read, “Time to Die B-tch.”

The Steelers announced via Twitter that they waived Rainey, shortly after the news:

We have waived RB Chris Rainey.—
Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) January 10, 2013

Steelers GM Kevin Colbert “Under the circumstances and due to this conduct, Chris will no longer be a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers.”—
Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) January 10, 2013

Rainey, 24, was drafted in the fifth round (159th overall) by the Steelers in 2012. He had 102 rushing yards and two touchdowns last season.

UPDATE: The Jets will also interview former Bears general manager Jerry Angelo, according to a source and Manish Mehta of The New York Daily News.

The Bears fired Angelo in January 2012.

The Jets will interview Pittsburgh Steelers director of football and business administration Omar Khan for their open general manager job according to a source via Manish Mehta of The New York Daily News.

Khan, who received a promotion from coordinator to director during the offseason, has been the Steelers’ chief contract negotiator and salary cap manager, and a team employee since 2001. He has recently been credited with keeping the Steelers competitive and under the salary cap while signing several key players to long-term contracts including safety Troy Polamalu.

Khan, 35, has been linked to other general manager positions in the past, including the Seattle Seahawks in 2010 and the St. Louis Rams in February 2012.

He has also been tied to speculation regarding ex-Steelers coach Bill Cowher’s possible return to the NFL.

Jets will interview former Bears G.M. Jerry Angelo tomorrow for vacant GM job, per source.—
Manish Mehta (@MMehtaNYDN) January 10, 2013

Jets will interview Steelers executive Omar Khan for vacant GM job tomorrow, per source. #nyj—
Manish Mehta (@MMehtaNYDN) January 10, 2013

Omar Khan's official title with the Steelers is Director of Football & Business Adminstration. Jets expanding their search this week. #nyj—
Manish Mehta (@MMehtaNYDN) January 10, 2013

DeMarcus Ware was penalized for roughing the passer after striking Ben Roethlisberger’s head on a fourth-quarter sack. (Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

The NFL has fined Cowboys outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware for last week’s hit to Ben Roethlisberger’s head, according to Todd Archer of ESPNDallas.com.

Ware drew a roughing the passer penalty on the fourth-quarter play when his right arm struck the back of Roethlisberger’s helmet on a sack.

The Cowboys sacked Roethlisberger on the ensuing two plays to force a Pittsburgh punt. The Cowboys held off a late Steelers drive to send the game into overtime before winning, 27-24, on a Dan Bailey field goal following a Roethlisberger interception.

Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray was also fined $7,875 for a face mask on a first-quarter run that did not draw a penalty, according to a source.

Steelers guard Willie Colon will miss the rest of the season with a knee injury. (Getty Images)

The Steelers have placed starting offensive guard Willie Colon on injured reserve, the team announced. During Pittsburgh’s 34-24 loss to the Chargers on Sunday, Colon returned after a three-game absence, but re-aggravated a knee injury that he suffered earlier in the season.

This marks the third straight season that will end on IR for the seven-year veteran. He missed all of 2010 with a torn Achilles tendon and played just one game in 2011 after tearing his triceps.

Colon, in the second year of a five-year, $29-million contract, moved to guard this season after spending the rest of his career as a tackle. First-round pick David DeCastro will likely start in his place in Sunday’s pivotal game against the 8-6 Bengals, who are one game ahead of the 7-6 Steelers in the wild card standings.

Top cornerback Ike Taylor will also miss this week’s game.

Moving Colon to IR opened up a roster spot for running back Rashard Mendenhall, who was suspended for one week for failing to show up the team’s Week 14 game after being listed as inactive.

Dez Bryant will play Sunday against the Steelers despite a fractured finger that will require surgery. (John Grieshop/Getty Images)

Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant, who sought a second opinion on his fractured left index finger from a hand specialist Wednesday, said Thursday he will play Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

A source told ESPN the specialist confirmed the fracture would require surgery, but Bryant has decided to delay the procedure.

Bryant practiced Thursday wearing a protective splint and padding on his left hand.

“Only thing y’all need to know is I’m playing,” he said in the locker room.

Bryant has shown signs of living up to his potential to be a Pro Bowl receiver in the second half of the season, with 30 receptions for 438 yards and six touchdowns over the past four games. He ranks 10th in the NFL with 1,028 receiving yards (1,028) and is tied for third with nine touchdowns.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have suspended running back Rashard Mendenhall for one game for “conduct detrimental to the team,” the team announced.

Despite being healthy, Mendenhall was listed as inactive for the second straight week on Sunday, and is being disciplined for not reporting to Heinz Field after hearing the news, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette‘s Ed Bouchette.

After leading the team in rushing each of the last three seasons, Mendenhall has received just 34 carries in four games since returning from a torn ACL. He also missed time this season with an Achilles injury.

Third-year back Jonathan Dwyer currently leads the team with 510 yards and 4.2 yards per carry. Mendenhall, a 2008 first-round pick, has gained 3.3 YPC and fumbled three times.

#Steelers suspended Mendenhall bec after they told him he wd not dress vs. Chargers, he did not show up at Heinz Field, source says.—
Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) December 11, 2012

The Steelers’ 34-24 loss to the Chargers dropped Pittsburgh into a tie with the division rival Bengals for the sixth and final playoff spot in the AFC. The team replaced Mendenhall by promoting running back Baron Batch from the practice squad.

Ben Roethlisberger practiced Wednesday and will likely play Sunday against the Chargers. (Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger practiced on Wednesday for the first time since dislocating a rib in an overtime win against Kansas City Nov. 12 and, barring any setbacks, could play on Sunday when the team hosts the San Diego Chargers, according to Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com.

Alan Robinson, Steelers beat reporter for The Pittsburtgh Tribune-Review, tweeted Wednesday afternoon after the practice that Roethlisberger will start Sunday assuming nothing out of the ordinary happens on Thursday and Friday. When he threw last week, he couldn’t throw for any distance but that all seems changed now; Robinson reported that Roethlisberger took a majority of the snaps on Wednesday and head coach Mike Tomlin called the practice “positive” for his quarterback. Roethlisberger said there still a little bit of pain, but it didn’t seem to be bothersome to the extent that he couldn’t play anymore:

There’s a little bit of pain and tightness, but we’re not worried about that  feeling right now.”

Roethlisberger had initially been looking at a possible life-threatening injury because the rib that he dislocated had the potential to puncture his aorta. In addition to the rib injury, he had a sprained sternoclavicular joint which limited his ability to throw the football. He had missed the last three games for the team. Charlie Batch, who backed up “Big Ben” while he was out, had led the Steelers to a win over the Baltimore Ravens in their previous game on Dec.2. He said he’s ready to start again if need be.

What you need to know: Ben Roethlisberger will start Sunday for #Steelers, barring any unexpected setback Thurs/Fri.—
Alan Robinson (@arobinson_Trib) December 05, 2012

Ben Roethlisberger will miss his third game due to injury. (Joe Sargent, Getty Images)

Ben Roethlisberger will play no part in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Sunday game against the Baltimore Ravens. The team officially ruled the quarterback out today due to his continuing recovery from injuries suffered in the team’s Monday night win over the Chiefs two weeks ago.

According to CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora, Charlie Batch will take over the starting job.

The Steelers have lost both games in Roesthlisberger’s absence, including one to the Ravens at Heinz field in Pittsburgh. The Ravens currently sit at 9-2 in first place in the AFC North and are riding a four-game winning streak. A loss would drop the 6-5 Steelers to a .500 record that could jeopardize the team’s place in the playoffs.

Steelers to start Charlie Batch Sun, Brian Hoyer back-up. Roethlisberger slated to be listed as out at this point. many Steelers surprised—
Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) November 30, 2012

Ben Roethlisberger, who has missed the Steelers’ past two games with injuries, could return next week vs. the Ravens. (Joe Sargent/Getty Images)

Pittsburgh Steelers injured starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said Monday that he’s “going to try” to play next weekend against the Baltimore Ravens, in what has become an increasingly important game for his team.

“I’m going to try,” Roethlisberger told The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette when asked if he thought he could play against the Ravens. “It’s killing me to watch.”

Roethlisberger, though, will likely be handled with extremely cautious gloves by the Steelers and their medical staff, considering the potentially life-threatening nature of his dislocated rib injury if he were to play.

ESPN reported on Sunday that Roethlisberger was recovering well from the combination of the rib injury and an upper-chest injury, and that he could play as soon as Sunday against the Ravens.

The Steelers would surely welcome his re-addition to the lineup. Without Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh has turned to backups Byron Leftwich and Charlie Batch. Batch threw three interceptions on Sunday — part of the team’s eight turnovers — as the Steelers fell 20-14 to the Browns in Cleveland. Combined, the Steelers have put up just 17 offensive points in the last two games.

The Steelers head into next Sunday’s matchup three games behind the Ravens in the NFC North with five games to play. More importantly, at this point, they are locked in a tie with the Cincinnati Bengals for the sixth and final AFC playoff spot.

Ben Roethlisberger, who has missed the Steelers’ past two games with injuries, could return next week vs. the Ravens. (Joe Sargent/Getty Images)

Ben Roethlisberger’s return to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ starting lineup can’t come soon enough after a dreadful loss against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reports that could happen as soon as next week.

Roethlisberger has missed the Steelers’ past two games — both Steelers losses — with rib and shoulder injuries. His potential return would come at a crucial time next week, as the Steelers are set for a rematch with the AFC North-leading Baltimore Ravens.

From Mortensen’s report:

The Steelers quarterback will begin soft-tossing the football early in the week to test his range of motion and work through the pain of his rare rib and shoulder injury, according to team sources. [...]

He has been able to hold his baby with his right arm, and doctors have determined his rib has healed enough that he doesn’t risk further damage.

Roethlisberger’s pain tolerance and range of motion could determine whether he plays next week.

Without Roethlisberger, the Steelers have turned to backups Byron Leftwich and Charlie Batch. Batch threw three interceptions on Sunday — part of the team’s eight turnovers — as the Steelers fell 20-14 to the Browns in Cleveland.

The now 6-5 Steelers go into next Sunday’s matchup with the Ravens clinging to the sixth and final AFC playoff spot, by virtue of a head-to-head tiebreaker with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Ben Roethlisberger and his wife Ashley welcomed a new baby boy, Ben Jr., into the world on Wednesday night. (Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

Ashley Roethlisberger, the wife of Steelers quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger, gave birth to the couple’s first child, Ben Jr. on Wednesday night, reports USA Today.

Ben Jr. weighed 7 lbs., 1 oz. The news and a message from the family was posted on Roethlisberger’s website:

We would like to let everyone know that last night at 10:06 PM Ashley and I welcomed a healthy, beautiful baby boy into this world.

We want to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers, it really means a lot to us. God is so good!

We will have pictures to post this weekend.

We hope you have a very Happy Thanksgiving! – Ben, Ashley, and Benjamin

Earlier in the season, Roethlisberger told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette he would miss a game for the birth of his son if necessary:

“I’m not missing the birth of my child,” Roethlisberger said emphatically. “There’s no chance. I know some fans probably don’t want to hear that, but there’s no chance.”

Roethlisberger is out with a strained right shoulder and rib injury; he did not play last week and will likely miss the Steelers’ upcoming game against the Browns on Sunday.

Wide receiver Plaxico Burress has officially signed with the Steelers, reports the Washington Post.

Injuries to Ben Roethlisberger and Byron Leftwich have the Pittsburgh Steelers scrambling at quarterback and at wide receiver, so the team signed Brian Hoyer and Plaxico Burress today.

Burress was taken in the first round of the 2000 draft (eighth overall) by the Steelers. He played for the Jets last season after spending nearly two years in jail for illegal possession of a firearm.

Analysts weighed in on Twitter:

Plaxico Burress is officially a Steeler. Surprised it didn't happen sooner. But could be intriguing… Especially in the red zone—
Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 20, 2012

I'm told Plaxico Burress was impressive in his discussions with the Steelers–contrite and convincing.—
mike freeman (@realfreemancbs) November 20, 2012

Burress, 35, had 612 yards and eight touchdowns in 16 games with the Jets last year.

Plaxico Burress could return to the Steelers. (David Maxwell/Getty Images)

Free-agent wide receiver Plaxico Burress will meet with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Tuesday and take a physical, ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter reported.

Burress, who played last season with the New York Jets, has remained a free agent through the first half of the NFL season. But a depleted wide receiver corps for the Steelers — with whom Burress started his career — has made the 6-foot-5 Burress a potentially attractive option. Pittsburgh wide receivers Antonio Brown and Jerricho Cotchery are both battling injuries.

Burress has been unable to latch on with a new organization despite a relatively productive season with the Jets. He caught 45 passes for 612 yards and eight touchdowns, his first season after spending two years in jail for possession of an illegal firearm.

But all of the teams in which he has expressed interest — the Panthers in July, the Eagles in July and the Raiders in August — have not panned out.

Burress began his career with the Steelers and played five years in the organization before moving on to the New York Giants in 2005.

The Steelers will reportedly start veteran quarterback Charlie Batch against the Cleveland Browns. (Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

The Pittsburgh Steelers will start veteran Charlie Batch at quarterback Sunday against the Cleveland Browns, reports NFL.com.

The Steelers second-string quarterback Byron Leftwich reportedly sustained fractured ribs in the Steelers’ 13-10 to the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday night and starter Ben Roethlisberger is expected to miss several weeks with a shoulder injury.

Batch, 37, has been with the team for eight seasons and has started three games in the past four years. Batch has thrown for 10,610 yards with 60 touchdowns and 38 interceptions in 15 seasons.

ESPN is reporting that the Steelers also plan to look at free-agent receiver Plaxico Burress and that he is expected to head to Pittsburgh for a physical. Burress spent his first five seasons in the NFL with the Steelers.

Byron Leftwich is a doubt for this Sunday’s game. (Doung Pensinger, Getty Images)

The Pittsburgh Steelers could be without the services of backup quarterback Byron Leftwich this weekend, just one week after he replaced injured starter Ben Roethlisberger. CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora reports on Twitter that the team is now planning on working out free agent quarterbacks this week to sign in case both Leftwich and Roestlisberger are unable to go on Sunday.

Roethlisberger suffered injures to his shoulder and ribcage in week 9′s 16-13 Monday night win over the Kansas City Chiefs. Leftwich started the Steelers’ week 10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, but suffered an eerily similar combination of injuries that could keep him out of action this weekend as well.

Baltimore’s Terrell Suggs said on Friday he’s looking forward to a “good, old-fashioned alley fight” against the Pittsburgh Steelers this Sunday.

This week’s Sunday Night Football game is the infamous Baltimore-Pittsburgh rivalry. Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs said on Friday that the two teams are so similar, hence the competition.

“It’s a good, old-fashioned alley fight. You need a good one of those every now and then. This is why the two teams don’t like each other, because we’re so similar,” Suggs said. “If you look down the line in their team and our team, it’s pretty similar. So, it means a lot.”

Both teams are missing key players in this week’s game: the Ravens won’t have Ray Lewis or Lardarius Webb, and the Steelers will be missing safety Troy Polamalu and starting QB Ben Roethlisberger. Big Ben’s replacement, Byron Leftwich, hasn’t started a game in three years.

“Byron is not Ben,” offensive coordinator Todd Haley admitted. “It’s very important that we and he understand that. He can’t go out there trying to be Ben. He needs to go out there and be Byron.”

Despite the absence of key players, Suggs maintains that the game will be something to see. The “old-fashioned alley fight” has high stakes for the two AFC North teams, and the intense physicality of both will show on the field.

“This is why you play football, for games like this. You remember some games, but these are the games that you tell your grandkids about. You know, when we go down to Heinz Field and you see the towels, and you see the colors, you know you’re in a fight. … As soon as we walk in their stadium, they’re going to lock the gates. But that’s what we want. We definitely want them to lock the gates behind us so we can get in there and we can have it out.”

DeAngelo Hall has been heavily fined for berating an official last month. (Justin K. Aller, Getty Images)

The NFL has handed down a heavy fine for Redskins cornerback DeAngelo Hall’s actions in his team’s 27-12 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers last month. According to a report in the Washington Post, Hall has been fined $30,000 by the league for an altercation with officials in that game, but will remain eligible to play this weekend.

The incident in question occurred near the end of the game, when Hall expressed frustration that Steelers wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders wasn’t called for a post-play tussle. Hall took off his helmet and berated the head linesman of the game for not making a call. Hall insinuated that the official was firing back as well, saying he was “dishing it out just as much as I’m dishing it out.”

Hall had no comment on the fine as of Wednesday evening.

While Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was expected to miss time with a shoulder injury, a rib injury he also suffered on Monday night against the Chiefs is currently of even greater concern.

The rib injury is “rare and dangerous,” according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, and could potentially be life-threatening.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporter Ed Bouchette described just how serious the problem is:

#Steelers Ben Roethlisberger has a rare rib injury that could kill him by pressing against his aorta. Too big risk. Has to wait until heals—
Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) November 14, 2012

#Steelers Roethlisberger said today it's so rare that the last time dr. told him it occurred was with rugby player in 1998—
Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) November 14, 2012

Roethlisberger said that on a scale of one to 10, the pain he is experiencing is at nine, according to NFL Network’s Aditi Kinkhabwala. Ten-year veteran Byron Leftwich, who has posted a 57.9 quarterback rating over four seasons with the Steelers, will start in his place on Sunday night in Pittsburgh.

Roethlisberger was enjoying one of the best regular seasons of his nine-year career, having thrown 17 touchdowns compared to just four interceptions.

Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall is once again listed as “questionable” for the upcoming week.

Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall is still recovering from an Achilles injury that has kept him out of the last four games. Tomlin said Tuesday that Mendenhall is “questionable,” the exact term he used for the star running back last week.

Mendenhall’s minor Achilles injury came during a 26-23 loss to the Tennessee Titans in Week 6. Mendenhall recovered quickly from an ACL injury that doesn’t seem to have any lingering effects on his ability to play.

With Big Ben definitely out against the Ravens and Mendenhall questionable, running backs Isaac Redman and Jonathan Dwyer will need to put up a better performance than they did during Monday night’s game.

Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown could miss several games because of an ankle injury. (Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Antonio Brown has already been ruled out for the Steelers’ Monday night’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs because of an ankle injury, but he might miss a few more games, according to ProFootballTalk.com.

After Sunday’s win over the Giants, Brown said he has a high ankle sprain, but that he’ll be fine.  (Rarely is any player with a high ankle sprain ever “fine.”)  We later reported that it’s not a high ankle sprain, and that in the hours after the game it wasn’t regarded as severe.

Brown has 42 receptions for 499 yards and a touchdown in eight games this season.  Emmanuel Sanders will start in the place of Brown.

Emmanuel Sanders was fined for faking injury in a game against the Bengals this season. (Joe Robbins, Getty Images)

The Pittsburgh Steelers and their wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders were fined a combined $50,000 for Sanders’ actions in his team’s 24-17 win over the Cincinnati Bengals in week seven, according to CBS Sports. Sanders will pay $15,000 of the fine, while the Steelers will pay the remaining $35,000 to the league.

The Steelers were in the midst of an an offensive drive in the fourth quarter of that game when Sanders fell to the ground, claiming he was suffering from cramps. However, the fact that Sanders seemed to be fully healthy on the previous play and the suddenness of his reaction aroused suspicion. By faking an injury, Sanders could stop the game clock without costing the Steelers a timeout.

The NFL interviewed Sanders last week and handed down its discipline today. The fine is another in a series of hefty punishments doled out by the NFL this season. View the others in this SI photo gallery.