Ben Roethlisberger remains on track to be activated, start for Steelers against Bengals

Coach Mike Tomlin remains confident quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will be activated from the reserve/covid-19 list Saturday and start the following day against the Cincinnati Bengals.

If Roethlisberger is cleared to rejoin the team Saturday, the Steelers will conduct what Tomlin termed an “extended walkthrough” in their final preparation before playing the game Sunday at Heinz Field.

“We have that expectation because this week has gone according to plan in terms of his place in the procedure,” Tomlin said.

Roethlisberger was one of four players placed on the reserve/covid-19 list Tuesday, one day after tight end Vance McDonald tested positive for coronavirus. Although Roethlisberger missed an entire week of practice, Tomlin will give his quarterback a chance to catch up Saturday.

“Just to give him an in-helmet perspective on some situational things to put the finishing touches on our work,” Tomlin said. “To allow him to work with the eligibles that he works with in game, to have whatever necessary informal conversations that allow us to have a level of comfort as we push into play.”

If Roethlisberger does not pass his final covid-19 test, Mason Rudolph will start at quarterback for the 8-0 Steelers.

Linebacker Vince Williams, who also is on the reserve/covid-19 list, also is expected to be activated Saturday, Tomlin said.

“I anticipate Vince being available, much the same as Ben,” Tomlin said.

Rookie running back Anthony McFarland missed a second day of practice because of an illness, and rookie guard Kevin Dotson also was not at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on Friday. Tomlin said neither absence is because of coronavirus. McFarland and Dotson are listed as questionable to play against Cincinnati.

“Those are illness-related,” Tomlin said. “But being in the heightened circumstances that we are, we are exercising all the proper precautions in not allowing those guys to come to work even though it is an illness.”

The Steelers announced assistant offensive line coach Adrian Klemm will not be available Sunday because of an illness.

Slot cornerback Mike Hilton also is “questionable” after being limited in practice Thursday and Friday. Hilton has missed the past three games with a shoulder injury. Defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs also is listed as questionable with a knee injury. Like Hilton, Buggs was limited in practice Thursday and Friday.

Nose tackle Tyson Alualu practiced fully Friday after missing the previous game against the Dallas Cowboys with a knee injury. Tomlin said Alualu is a “go.”

“Tyson is in a better place,” Tomlin said. “There are very little reservations about his abilities or availability.”