With Ben Roethlisberger missing practice and still hobbling on Wednesday, Charlie Batch is preparing in case he is called upon to start against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night.
"At least I know I'll get practice reps today and possibly tomorrow and they'll re-evaluate the situation toward the end of the week," said Batch. "That's the only thing I know at this point. We'll see how this week plays out. You've got to take it how I do every week and you just have to be ready to go. I still haven't been told so I don't know."
Roethlisberger sprained his ankle against the Cleveland Browns in the first half on Dec. 8, and although he returned to action in the second half he is still bothered by it.
Batch said whether it's him, Roethlisberger or Dennis Dixon that starts on Monday night, nothing will change for the offense – the goal will be the same.
"You just have to go in there business as usual," said Batch. "You don't want to be the guy that's going to let this team down. One thing that we've always been able to pride ourselves on is if one guy goes down, the next guy steps up and we've been able to do that over the course of the years and at this point it's going to be the same way if Ben can't go."
Batch said he isn't worried about others having confidence in his play, knowing he wouldn't be in the position he is if the coaches didn't have faith in him.
"That is something we had to prove in August," said Batch. "As you get toward the season there are not many opportunities on the field, but I think it's something as each practice goes on and you are competing against your defense the coaches are still watching, you are still being evaluated, you still have to take those reps seriously even though they are not your actual reps."
Mike Wallace knows if Roethlisberger doesn't play then the receivers are going to have to step up their game for whoever is at quarterback.
"You have to help him out," said Wallace. "Ben has been out there a million times. You have to go out and give that extra effort because you are playing with a guy who is not him.
"You have to change your game to adjust to what they can do best. Whether it's Ben, Charlie or Dennis we are going to adjust our game to play how they play. As a wide receiver you have to be able to do that. You can't just be trying to play with one person all of the time. Things happen during the season. You have to be able to adjust your game."
Wallace said the offense will be comfortable with whoever starts on Monday night, knowing all of them have the ability to get the job done.
"I have a tremendous amount of confidence in them," said Wallace. "There is no drop off in confidence. It's just the way we play is going to be different. They are going to prepare themselves well and we will be ready to go."
