If Roethlisberger can’t play, the Pittsburgh Steelers will be in a lot of trouble. Not only would they be missing their starting quarterback, but their backup quarterback (Charlie Batch) will miss the game due to a wrist injury. That would leave Dennis Dixon as the starting quarterback.

Considering that the Steelers really need a win this weekend, I fully expect Big Ben to play. He has proven to be a warrior in the past and he’ll be a warrior again. The news that Big Ben might sit out is probably a bit of gamesmanship by the Steelers in an effort to confuse the Baltimore Ravens as much as possible.

As it stands, the Steelers still have to be considered Super Bowl contenders. When they are healthy and hitting on all cylinders, they are one of the best teams in the NFL. But if they are injured — especially if Big Ben is injured — they are definitely vulnerable.

Ben Roethlisberger will likely do what it takes to play (Image: Zuma Press)

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Will Big Ben Play Following Concussion?

The 29-year-old wide receiver has played his entire career with the Giants. From 2003 to 2007, he had 54 catches for 650 yards and four touchdowns. Last season, Tyree missed the entire year due to injury.

With the Ravens, Tyree will give the team another veteran receiving presence. Tyree will join wideouts Derrick Mason, Kelley Washington and Mark Clayton. So far this season, Mason is leading the wide receivers in catches (19), yards (284) and touchdowns (2).

When Tyree was signed, he was actually working out for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He left Tampa to go back to Baltimore and sign on the dotted line.

David Tyree has signed with the Ravens (Image: Zuma Press)

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Super Bowl Hero David Tyree to Ravens

1. New York Giants
If the defense can remain healthy, Eli Manning seems to have found enough offensive weapons to keep the Giants dangerous on both sides of the field.

2. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens were doubted a bit coming into the season but they appear legit once again. If they keep playing this way, the playoffs are well within reach.

3. Atlanta Falcons
The upstart Falcons keep proving themselves. Tony Gonzalez has been a great fit so far and the defense has shown some glimpses. Watch out for Atlanta.

4. Indianapolis Colts
The Week 2 victory wasn’t pretty but the Colts are now 2-0. Peyton Manning remains a force and once the defense gets back Bob Sanders, they could turn it around quickly.

5. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings have won both of their games and they look strong. However, Brett Favre hasn’t been tested yet. We’ll wait for a test before moving Minnesota any higher.

We Know AP is good. How about Brett Favre? We'll see. (Image: Zuma Press)

Post from: EveryJoe

Week 3 NFL Power Rankings

Brady Quinn, the team’s starting quarterback, is getting a lot of the blame. Against the Broncos, he completed 18-of-31 passes and had an interception. In the first two games, he has one touchdown to go with two interceptions. He also has only 366 yards passing in the first two contests.

Next week, it doesn’t get any easier for Quinn. The Ravens have made life tough on opponents for years. If he’s not on top of his game, his starting gig may be in jeopardy.

Considering that the Browns have one of the NFL’s best backup QBs in Derek Anderson, the coaching staff won’t delay too much longer in making a switch. Anderson has had success in Cleveland and there are people around the Browns organization who believe that he gives the team a better chance to win.

Derek Anderson could find himself on the field soon (Image: Zuma Press)

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Brady Quinn to Lose Starting Gig?

“I felt like I had left something undone, and I wanted to finish it,” Said Mason in a statement. “I believe this is a good example for my son and my daughter on how to be thoughtful and also follow through.”

Over the last decade, Mason has been one of the best wide receivers in the NFL. While he doesn’t get much recognition, he has consistently put up very good stats year after year. Last season, he had 80 catches for 1,037 yards and five touchdowns.

The Ravens signed Drew Bennett in an attempt to make up the loss of Mason’s retirement, however Bennett decided to retire after suffering an injury. Even with the return of Mason, it’s expected that Baltimore will go out and sign one more veteran wide receiver.

Derrick Mason - Ravens (Image: Zuma Press)

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Derrick Mason Decides Not to Retire

This is the second time the Ravens have been surprised by a wide receiver retiring this offseason. Earlier in the month, Derrick Mason said he was going to retire. Considering that Bennett was signed partly due to Mason’s announcement, this is a rather ironic turn of events.

Bennett blames injury as the cause of his retirement.

Said Bennett: “After returning home from Baltimore this weekend, a previous knee injury flared up, making me realize that I am unable to play another NFL season. Therefore, I have decided to retire from the National Football League.”

The Ravens will now have to go back onto the market to find a wide receiver. Considering that they gave Bennett a contract worth less than $800,000, Baltimore will likely have to look in the bargain bin.

Regarding Mason, the latest rumors have the Ravens trying to coax him out of retirement.

Drew Bennett Retires (Image: Zuma Press)

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Drew Bennett Retires from the NFL

Last season, Bennett was injured after catching just one pass. After spending his first six seasons in the league with the Tennessee Titans, Bennett played his last two seasons with the St. Louis Rams. His best season came in 2004 when he caught 80 passes for 1,247 yards and 11 touchdowns — all career-high totals.

With the Ravens, the 6-foot-5 native of California gives the team a tall and lanky wide receiver who is quality target near the end zone. If he can stay healthy and Mason stays retired, there’s a chance he could start in Baltimore.

According to reports, the Ravens signed Bennett to a contract worth approximately $750K over one season.

Drew Bennett signs with the Baltimore Ravens (Image: Zuma Press)

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Baltimore Ravens Ink Drew Bennett

Approximately $38 million of the $63 million is guaranteed. Prior to signing this contract, Suggs was had Baltimore’s franchise player tag and was scheduled to make more than $10 million next year.

The 26-year-old has spent the last six years with the Ravens after playing his college football at Arizona State. He has played all 96 games in his career and has record 53 sacks. He also has 369 tacks, 17 forced fumbles and five interceptions in his career.

Last season, Suggs had a career-high 53 tackles to go along with eight sacks, two forced fumbles and two interceptions.

Suggs is confident that the Ravens won’t regret this contract.

Said Suggs: “I’m going to continue to be the dominant player I’ve always been. My best years are ahead of me.”

Terrell Suggs - Baltimore Ravens (Image: Zuma Press)

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Terrell Suggs Gets $63M from Ravens

That said, there are some Baltimore Ravens rumors swirling that the team could be looking to add a high profile wide receiver? Who could that be? Here are some options:

Anquan Boldin
When considering everything, Boldin makes a huge amount of sense for the Ravens. He’s a great receiver and has the type of mentality that should thrive in John Harbaugh’s system.

Brandon Marshall
Although his talent is comparable to Boldin’s talent, there are a lot more character red flags with Marshall. Could he survive Harbaugh?

Plaxico Burress
Burress is a long shot due to his legal trouble — plus the fact that he may be suspended for the entire 2009 season. But on talent alone, Burress is still elite.

Marvin Harrison
Still looking for a team, this future Hall of Famer could help out the Ravens right away. The question is how much gas does Harrison still have in his NFL tank.

Marvin Harrison to the Ravens? (Image: Zuma Press)

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Baltimore Ravens: Wide Receiver Rumors

This is obviously a tremendously sad day in the football world. Steve McNair was respected by all of his coaches and teammates. He was a quarterback who worked hard, played hurt and played to win. He will be missed.

Here are some Steve McNair pictures and Steve McNair videos to remember the 36-year-old native of Mississippi who lost his life much too soon:

Rest in Peace, Steve McNair (Image: Zuma Press)

Steve McNair - Rest in Peace (Image: Zuma Press)

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Remembering Steve McNair – Pictures & Video