Tomlin: Roethlisberger to play this week

PITTSBURGH, Nov. 24 (UPI) -- Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is expected to practice this week despite suffering a concussion in last week's game, Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin said.

Roethlisberger was injured during overtime of the Steelers' 27-24 loss at Kansas City. Pittsburgh, later in the extra period, also lost backup quarterback Charlie Batch to a wrist injury.

Tomlin said Tuesday that "we can anticipate him (Roethlisberger) practicing this week and playing" when Pittsburgh travels to Baltimore for an AFC North game Sunday night.

Roethlisberger has undergone a series of neurological exams and "he passed those tests and felt fine," Tomlin said, adding that the quarterback will be monitored closely because "concussions are not to be taken lightly."

Batch is to undergo surgery this week to insert a plate to stabilize a broken bone in his left (non-throwing) wrist. He will be out at least two weeks.

Dennis Dixon will move up to second-string quarterback to take Batch's spot on the depth chart and the Steelers will sign a quarterback to the practice squad.