Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger (sprained MCL) returns to practice

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is prepared to return to practice just 17 days after he suffered a sprained left MCL.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is prepared to return to practice after he suffered a sprained left MCL and bone bruise in Week 3 against the St. Louis Rams, reports ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

ESPN’s Ed Werderreports that the Steelers do not expect Roethlisberger to start this week, though Coach Mike Tomlin and the team doctors will make the final call prior to Sunday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals. 

Roethlisberger was expected to miss four to six weeks due to the injury but will reportedly participate in seven-on-seven drills in Wednesday's practice. It has been 17 days since the injury.

The team has assured that the quarterback's arm is fine for throwing, but it is his mobility in the pocket that raises concern.

“Just being smart, knowing when I'm able to protect myself, I'll be back out there," Roethlisberger told reporters on Wednesday. "I can walk around just fine and step and throw. It's being able to avoid a pass rush, being able to make subtle movements in the pocket and out of the pocket."

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Michael Vick has assumed the team's starting quarterback duties in his absence going 1–1. On Monday night, Vick put together a 12-play drive for 80 yards to defeat the San Diego Chargers 24–20. VIck completed 13 of 26 passes for 203 yards on the night.

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