One day at a time.
That is the approach Ben Roethlisberger is taking as to whether or not he will play on Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium.
Roethlisberger had surgery just over two weeks ago on his knee, but has returned to the field over the past week, throwing and getting some work in.
"We're going to take it one day at a time," said Roethlisberger. "I don't know anything new. We'll go out today and see how it feels."
It's that feeling, that reaction, which will be the biggest guide as to Roethlisberger's availability.
"That is what Dr. (James) Bradley said," said Roethlisberger, referring to the doctor who did his surgery. "He said I have gone through this before so my body will tell me best how I feel.
"Being able to feel comfortable out there, protect myself, and keep the swelling out of it."
Landry Jones, who started against the New England Patriots, said he will be ready for whatever is asked of him, but still doesn't know what that is going to be.
"I am just going to prepare like I have been this whole season," said Jones. "Wherever the chips fall, they are going to work themselves out. (Ben) is kind of feeling good. I don't know what his plan is this week and as far as that goes. For me it's the same old type of deal. Just prepare and get ready to go."
Roethlisberger said there is still pain, but two weeks from surgery that is expected.
"I had surgery two weeks ago," said Roethlisberger. "There is a going to be a little bit. Listen, anybody in this locker room that isn't feeling pain hasn't been on the football field yet. Everyone is feeling pain right now."
Roethlisberger said he would talk to Coach Mike Tomlin after practice on Wednesday and let him know how he is feeling, but the decision on whether he will start, or be available to come in during the game, won't be his call.
"You will have to ask Coach Tomlin," said Roethlisberger. "That is strictly his call. I am going to tell him how I feel after today and go from there."
More from Ben…
On if the Steelers-Ravens rivalry is still the same with the changing faces:
"It's still the same rivalry but different players. It is different from the first time seeing Ed Reed, (Terrell) Suggs is still there, (Haloti) Ngata and Ray (Lewis). It definitely is different, but it's still an intense rivalry."
On if Le'Veon Bell is the type of back that even though a defense knows he is getting the ball, you still give it to him:
"Yeah, he is that talented. There are multiple ways you can give him the ball. It's not just line up in the 'I' and hand it to him right and left. We can move him around, we can throw him the ball, we can throw him the ball out of the backfield, and we can throw him the ball from the slot, different places. There are multiple ways you can get a guy like that the ball."
On the Ravens' defense:
"They are an opportunistic team. Those guys get after it, they get after the passer. They make plays in the backfield. Their secondary is real good. Jimmy (Smith) and Eric (Weddle) and those guys are just making plays. Suggs is still Suggs. Even injured he gets after the quarterback and makes plays."
On Darrius Heyward-Bey moving into a starting role and what he brings:
"He is a guy that we can move around, can play multiple positions and do it well. He is a guy you have faith that can play any of the three wide receiver spots. That is key when you have questions whether it's through injuries or guys getting hurt in the middle of the game like Antonio Brown last week. Being able to throw Hey- Bey in there and do stuff with him."
