OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- Like most of the Baltimore Ravens, linebacker Terrell Suggs strongly believes Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will play Sunday.
Roethlisberger underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee on Oct. 17, and he was initially expected to be sidelined for four to six weeks. He now plans to practice Wednesday and he hopes to play against the Ravens on Sunday in what will be a battle for first place in the AFC North.
On the possibility of Roethlisberger sitting out Sunday's game, Suggs said, "Don’t fall for that. I saw this movie before. He’s going to act like, ‘I’m not playing. I don’t know. I did individual today and threw a little bit. I still don’t know.' Then, he’s going to walk his big ass on out there. I’m going to be like, 'How you doin', Benjamin.'"
Roethlisberger is 9-8 against Baltimore for his career, but he has struggled against the Ravens lately. Since the start of the 2011 season, Roethlisberger is 2-5 against Baltimore, averaging 257.7 yards passing with 11 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
Without Roethlisberger, the Steelers have lost six of seven meetings with Baltimore. But Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith said it wasn't up for debate whether Roethlisberger is playing.
"Since I’ve been here and what I’ve learned about this guy, unless he has no foot this week, he’s going to be in the game," Smith said. "The only time he wasn’t playing and we knew for sure, he was at home. Other than that, if he’s even around the facility, he’s going to play."
Roethlisberger ranks seventh in the NFL in passer rating this season (99.2), connecting on 64.2 percent of his throws and passing for 1,685 yards. He has thrown 16 touchdowns and six interceptions.
"I’m telling my boys that No. 7 is playing, and not only that, he’s going to try to light our ass up," Suggs said.