National Football League

Steelers expect Big Ben to start vs. 49ers

Published Dec. 19, 2011 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Ben Roethlisberger is expected to start for the Pittsburgh Steelers against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday night unless an unforeseen complication occurs, FOXSports.com has learned.

Roethlisberger, who suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 14 against the Cleveland Browns, worked out Saturday and took all the walkthrough reps Sunday. The quarterback got after it harder than normal Sunday, FOXSports.com was told.

Roethlisberger has been listed as questionable all week long. With a win against the 49ers, Pittsburgh would improve to 11-3 with a one-game lead over the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC North.

If Roethlisberger is unable to play Monday night, it would be his first missed start because of injury since 2009. He would be replaced by veteran quarterback Charlie Batch.