PITTSBURGH, Dec. 27 (UPI) -- The AFC North champion Pittsburgh Steelers have three weeks, if necessary, to rest injured quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who has helped them win 13 straight games.
The Steelers (14-1) have already clinched home-field advantage in the AFC playoffs and their final regular season game, at Buffalo, is one Roethlisberger may miss. Then, the Steelers have a playoff bye and don't play again until a playoff game in mid-January.
Roethisberger was injured in the third quarter of Pittsburgh's 20-7 win over Baltimore Sunday.
Asked if Roethlisberger might play in the Buffalo game, which is meaningless in terms of the Steelers' playoff situation, offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt said: "We'll see."
If Roethlisberger doesn't start against Buffalo, Tommy Maddox will play in his place.
