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The NFL Today: Roethlisberger Cleared to Practice Fully on Friday, Chose Not to

By Kipper @pghsportsforum
I haven't seen this story anywhere else. Is jason la canfora just trying to create some "news"?
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By Jason La Canfora | CBS Sports NFL Insider
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Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger surprised some teammates and frustrated others by not pushing to practice more this week, according to sources with knowledge of the situation, as he recovered from a shoulder sprain. Many in the organization thought Roethlisberger would face the Ravens on Sunday in Baltimore after suffering the injury more than two weeks ago; he was cleared medically to do as much as he wanted this week, sources said, but did little besides throw the ball on the sidelines.
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On Friday, with Roethlisberger having yet to perform much in practice, coach Mike Tomlin informed Roethlisberger he would have to practice fully Friday to play, sources said. Otherwise, he would be ruled out on that day's injury report. In the past, some injury situations with Roethlisberger have lingered into the weekend, complicating preparations for the fill-in starter. In 2009, for instance, in an eventual loss at Baltimore, backup Dennis Dixon was not certain he would be starting until the day before the game. Tomlin wanted to avoid such a situation here. Roethlisberger has told some he was unable to throw the ball, but sources said he was not being held back by team doctors and was given clearance to practice fully.
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This is not the first time there has been something of a disconnect between Roethlisberger and the team over a medical situation. He previously talked about a potentially life-threatening rib injury but has been listed on the injury report only with a right shoulder problem.
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The two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback's cautious approach to a return has led to frustration among some teammates, given the Steelers' 6-5 record and tenuous place in the playoff race. But the issue is not expected to be major going forward. The current expectation is that Roethlisberger will do more in practice this week and play in Week 14, against the Chargers at home.
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Charlie Batch is starting Sunday's vital game against the Ravens, with newcomer and ex-Patriots backup Brian Hoyer the No, 2. Byron Leftwich, the other quarterback on the roster, is still recovering from broken ribs and was unable to practice or play this week.
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Should the 37-year-old Batch struggle in Baltimore as he did last week against Cleveland, Hoyer could see action in Baltimore, with the Steelers needing a win to keep hold of a wild-card position.
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http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/blog/ja...nfora/21231665

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