While some are holding out the slim hope that Ben Roethlisberger can play this Sunday against Baltimore, the more realistic scenario, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, is for Big Ben to return next week against San Diego.
Byron Leftwich may also be back then, leaving Sunday's all-important game with the rival Ravens in the hands of Batch, who may be making the final start of his 15-year career. The 38-year-old is likely to retire at season's end, according to the report.
"I know I didn't play well last week," Batch said, who was picked off three times in a loss to the Cleveland Browns. "Anytime that you have another opportunity like this week, for me this is going out there and making sure I don't make those mistakes again."
The Steelers (6-5) need to win in Baltimore to bolster their playoff hopes. Pittsburgh currently is clinging to the final AFC wild-card spot by virtue of currently holding a tiebreaker over the Cincinnati Bengals, who are also 6-5.
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Terry McCormick covers the Titans for TitanInsider.com