Shockingly it wasn't the first question Ben Roethlisberger was asked during his media availability on Thursday, but fear not it was the second one.
Is playing on Sunday still a possibility?
"I hope so," said Roethlisberger.
Roethlisberger, who injured his foot against the Raiders and left the game, said he can wear cleats but there will be some adjustments.
"We're going to try some different insoles, not necessarily shoes, but plates and things under there," said Roethlisberger. "We're going to try some stuff out today."
Roethlisberger didn't practice on Wednesday, but his plan to return to the practice field on Thursday played out, even if he was listed as a limited participant.
He knows Coach Mike Tomlin's rule is if you don't practice, you don't play, but he is hoping in his case there will be some leeway if he is feeling good enough to play and gets at least some work in.
"I think it helps I know the offense well enough," said Roethlisberger. "It's always one of those things that if you had to you just go no-huddle and do a lot of things like that. We'll see how it goes. It's always coach's decision."On there being a concern for his stride when he throws:
"Well, I've already got a left knee and everything, it's just the whole left leg. But, no. If I can't do that, there's no need to be out there." On if having the bye week is a silver lining if he can't play this week:
"Yes. It obviously helps to have the bye week. But, my goal is to always get better as fast as possible, if possible. If I'm feeling good enough and if coach determines I'm doing well enough to be out there on Sunday, then that's the goal."On dealing with two injuries in one year:
"Very frustrating. I can deal with it mentally, it's just frustrating. Obviously, God has a bigger plan for my legs than I do. Things happen for a reason and you just have to keep telling yourself there's a bigger picture. It's not my plan." On what he thinks his chances are to play:
"That's coach's call. I can't give you a percentage, because my percentage is probably different from his percentage. I don't know. We'll go out today and see how it feels. I'll have a better understanding after today."
On if were you concerned it was something more than a sprain:
"Yes. I kind of sat there for a second and I went to get up, got help getting up, and I went to take a step. It felt like the middle of my foot was just broke in half. That's when the doctor thought it could be, he was convinced it was a Lisfranc and that was kind of scary. But, we were blessed when we got back to the x-rays and saw it wasn't that."
