Roethlisberger Questionable for Regular-Season Finale

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Bill Cowher announced at his Tuesday press conference that rookie quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is questionable for Sunday's regular-season finale against Buffalo because of a bruised rib cartilage.

Pittsburgh (14-1) has won 13 straight games and has already secured homefield advantage throughout the AFC playoffs.

Roethlisberger suffered the injury during this past Sunday's win over Baltimore when he was hit by Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs while throwing a two-yard touchdown pass to Jerame Tuman with 6:26 left in the third quarter.

He looked shaky on the sidelines afterwards, but was back on the field after Baltimore's Matt Stover missed a 44-yard field goal attempt.

However, after a 26-yard pass to Plaxico Burress and a nine-yard toss to veteran running back Jerome Bettis, Roethlisberger walked off the field and was replaced by Tommy Maddox.

Roethlisberger ended the contest 14-of-19 for 221 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. He improved to 13-0 as a starter since replacing an injured Maddox during Pittsburgh's Week 2 loss to the Ravens.

For the season, Roethlisberger has completed 196-of-295 passes for 2,621 yards with 17 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

Meanwhile, cornerback Deshea Townsend (broken right hand) is out for Sunday's game at Buffalo, while Bettis (ankle) and linebacker Clark Haggans (groin) are doubtful.