No Ben as more practices for the Steelers get underway

Despite getting some counseling out of the way, the NFL has yet to clear Ben Roethlisberger to practice with his team. This isn’t much of a surprise, and I am not all that sure how much this is hurting the team, as it’s good that guys like Dennis Dixon and Byron Leftwich get time to throw to wide outs like Mike Wallace and guys they will be throwing to once the season starts and Ben is suspended.

When the Steelers resume offseason practices today, they will do so without suspended quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Roethlisberger has not been cleared by the NFL to practice, and the Steelers are awaiting word from the league as to when the two-time Super Bowl winner is allowed to start working out with the team. With Roethlisberger out for at least the first four games of the upcoming season – his suspension could be reduced for good behavior – today will mark another step in identifying who will replace him under center. Byron Leftwich, Dennis Dixon and Charlie Batch are all vying to start while Roethlisberger is out. Leftwich worked with the first-team offense during the five minicamp practices held April 30 through May 2. Coach Mike Tomlin said all three quarterbacks will work with the starters before he makes a decision as to which one will replace Roethlisberger.