Tomlin: Roethlisberger should be ready

PITTSBURGH, Dec. 29 (UPI) -- Pittsburgh Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin says quarterback Ben Roethlisberger should be healthy enough for the team's first playoff game in two weeks.

Tomlin said initial tests on Roethlisberger showed he suffered a concussion Sunday against the Cleveland Browns, but the injury should heal in time for the playoffs, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported Monday.

"He is not permanently injured or scarred at this point," said Tomlin, whose team finished the 2008 season with a 12-4 record. "He just has a concussion."

Roethlisberger left the field strapped to a stretcher Sunday after being struck by Browns linebackers D'Qwell Jackson and Willie McGinest during a pass attempt. The concussion marked his third on record.

Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward also expressed confidence his quarterback would be ready in time for the team's initial post-season game in Pittsburgh in two weeks.

"Ben will be all right," Ward told the Tribune-Review. "He's going to take this whole week off and get his screws right, and he's going to come back and be prepared for the playoffs."