Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger will not play Sunday against the Ravens after suffering a concussion last week, according to a league source.

League sources told me on Friday that Roethlisberger was considering sitting out this week out of fear of taking additional blows to the head. Roethlisberger experienced some slight headaches recently and though he wanted to play all week, he will not given the severity of head injuries.

Second-year QB Dennis Dixon will make his first NFL start against the Ravens.

There is a small chance Roethlisberger could serve as an emergency quarterback, according to a league source, although that looks remote at this point. A final decision will come 90 minutes before kickoff, but at this point all parties involved are planning on Roethlisberger not suiting up in any capacity.

The Steelers have followed all league measures regarding clearance for concussions, and the Pro Bowler was cleared to practice all week.

Posted in: Jason La Canfora  | comments  |