The Pittsburgh Steelers have announced that Ben Roethlisberger will not feature in today's game against the Baltimore Ravens.

The Steelers' starting quarterback, who had hoped to play this week, has failed to recover from a shoulder sprain and broken rib, which has kept him out of the last two games.

The two-time Super Bowl winner said: "I firmly believe that [third-string quarterback Charlie Batch will play well].

"They know what he's capable of. He's been doing it a long time. They respect him. I think he's ready to rise to the occasion."

Backup quarterback Byron Leftwich also misses today's game, having sustained a rib injury while filling in for Roethlisberger a fortnight ago.

Written by
Sian Cowper