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Tomlin “comfortable” with Roethlisberger returning this week

Ben Roethlisberger

AP

Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin didn’t say it directly Tuesday, but all signs point to the Steelers using this week to prepare quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to play Sunday vs. the Bengals.

Roethlisberger has missed four games with a knee injury. He practiced on a limited basis last week and was listed as questionable last week before the Steelers made him a gameday inactive, and Tomlin told reporters Tuesday that he has “no reservations or limitations” about Roethlisberger’s return coming this week.

“We’re comfortable with where he is as far as his availability,” Tomlin said.

While making his weekly local radio appearance Tuesday morning, Roethlisberger said he’d “like to play” Sunday but said he understands that Tomlin ultimately will make the call. Last week, Roethlisberger said he was feeling better and “can deal with the pain.”

Tomlin said Michael Vick (hamstring) has a chance to be healthy enough to play this week. The new unofficial Steelers’ depth chart listed Landry Jones, who made his first career start last week with Vick out, as the No. 2 quarterback and Vick as the No. 3.

More importantly, the Steelers are preparing to have Roethlisberger back and will hope their banged-up offensive line can keep him upright.