Steelers` Maddox to start at QB against Ravens

Associated Press
Thu, Nov 17, 2005


PITTSBURGH -- With Ben Roethlisberger still not ready to return from a knee injury, Tommy Maddox will be the Pittsburgh Steelers` quarterback Sunday in Baltimore - their third starter in four weeks.

Oddsmakers have set the Steelers as 3 1/2-point road favorites, the total is set at 34.

Coach Bill Cowher said Thursday that Roethlisberger could be in uniform as the backup after sitting out victories against Green Bay and Cleveland started by Charlie Batch, but that Maddox would start for the first time since Oct. 16 against Jacksonville.

``Tommy will start and we`ll see where we go from there,`` Cowher said. ``Ben`s getting a little bit better each day and we`ll see where he is tomorrow (Friday).``

Maddox lost his backup job after throwing three interceptions and losing a fumble against Jacksonville - a 23-17 loss decided by an interception returned for a touchdown in overtime. But with Batch out for at least a week with a broken finger in his right hand, Maddox is the Steelers` only healthy quarterback.

Wide receiver Antwaan Randle El has been taking snaps in practice and could be used in case of injury.

The Steelers (7-2) had hoped Roethlisberger would be ready this week so he could get back to game speed before important games at Indianapolis (9-0) and Cincinnati (7-2) over the following two weeks. The Steelers and Bengals are tied for the AFC North lead.

Roethlisberger aggravated a right knee injury in a 20-19 win over Baltimore on Oct. 31, and needed surgery three days later to remove damaged cartilage. He injured his left knee earlier in the season, causing him to miss the Jacksonville game that Maddox started.

Cowher also said running back Willie Parker is expected to start against the Ravens (2-7) after missing a 34-21 win Sunday over Cleveland with a sprained ankle. But a decision has not yet been made about left tackle Marvel Smith, who is questionable because of a sore ankle.