PITTSBURGH -- Ben Roethlisberger knows who should get the game ball if the Steelers win Thursday night in New England.
That would be running back DeAngelo Williams, who's now a father of three after the birth of a baby boy on Friday.
Williams is getting the first-team reps for the Steelers as Le'Veon Bell serves a two-game suspension.
"He just had a baby, so he's ready to win the game ball for him," Roethlisberger said this week.
Williams confirmed the birth. After taking a few questions from reporters, he said: "Is this football? We're getting personal."
Williams wants to talk about Pittsburgh's game against Tom Brady and the defending Super Bowl champion Patriots, but he did acknowledge that sleep is a bit of a challenge this week. The Steelers' stay in a hotel Wednesday night can help with that.
Williams looked explosive in the preseason and has trimmed his weight to less than 215 pounds. He played closer to 230 pounds while with the Carolina Panthers.
Williams got 13 carries for 63 yards in three preseason games. When asked about his limited reps, Williams said they won't be limited Thursday.
"I'm not anxious at all," said Williams, who added he's worked on his hands for route-running. "I'm excited to get out there."