Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger ruled out for Ravens game; Charlie Batch to start at QB

PITTSBURGH Ben Roethlisberger will not play Sunday in Baltimore, meaning Charlie Batch will make his second consecutive start at quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Roethlisberger threw briefly early in practice Friday but was in a sweat suit watching by the time practice ended. He will miss a third consecutive game since sustaining a sprained right shoulder and a dislocated rib in a 16-13 win against Kansas City Nov. 12.

Brian Hoyer, signed last week, will serve as Batch's backup, CBSSports.com's Ryan Wilson reports.

The Steelers (6-5) lost each of the first two games Roethlisberger missed, including two weeks ago at home to the rival Ravens (9-2). Batch, 37, then threw three interceptions in a 20-14 loss in Cleveland.

On Thursday, Roethlisberger admitted he wasn't sure he could do everything he'd need to help his team.

"I can play through a lot of pain," Roethlisberger said via CBSSports.com's Chris Adamski. "But mostly it's just, to me, ability. Can I make a long throw? Can I put a lot of zip on the ball, throw it really hard before people like (Ravens safety) Ed Reed and defenders can get to the ball? Because if I can't, then I'm not putting this team in the best situation to win the game."

Also ruled out for the Ravens game is linebacker LaMarr Woodley. Guard Willie Colon is listed as questionable, but the Steelers will welcome back receiver Antonio Brown and safety Troy Polamalu. The Pro Bowl standouts practiced all week and are officially listed as probable.