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Steelers need to rest Roethlisberger the next two weeks

I can't blame the Pittsburgh Steelers for starting a hobbled Ben Roethlisberger against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night.

A win put them in the driver's seat in the AFC, and Roethlisberger gave the Steelers the best chance to win.

It didn't work out.

It was obvious that Roethlisberger had trouble and it hurt the Steelers throughout the night. He couldn't scramble, he couldn't follow through on his throws and he couldn't heave the long ball.

I can't imagine Charlie Batch or Dennis Dixon doing much worse. After all, the Steelers scored just three points.

With little chance to win the division, coach Mike Tomlin should rest Roethlisberger the rest of the season.

He should give Big Ben a big break, let him heal as much as possible and have him ready for the playoffs.

The Baltimore Ravens aren't going to lose in the next two weeks against the Browns and Bengals, which would wrap up the AFC North.

That makes these next two games against the Rams and Browns essentially meaningless.

The best bet for a deep playoff run is with a healthy Big Ben.

Hopefully Tomlin recognizes that.
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