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Jeremy Fowler, senior NFL national reporter 6y

Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger expects to play despite bruised elbow

NFL, Pittsburgh Steelers

PITTSBURGH -- Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger does not expect to miss game time because of his bruised right elbow.

"I don't plan on it," Roethlisberger said from his locker Wednesday in advance of the Week 2 matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs. "Maybe just today, but that's a typical Wednesday for me."

Roethlisberger, who often gets a veteran day off during Wednesday's practice, hurt his elbow on the second-to-last offensive play during the Steelers' 21-21 overtime tie with the Cleveland Browns.

Roethlisberger did not comment on whether he received an MRI. Coach Mike Tomlin said the team would monitor Roethlisberger's progress early in the week but called the injury "bumps and bruises associated with football," a common Tomlin phrase for minor injuries.

Backups Josh Dobbs and Mason Rudolph will likely get the practice reps Wednesday.

Roethlisberger is focused on turning the page from the offense's six-turnover performance at Cleveland. Roethlisberger went 23-for-41 passing for 335 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions. He also lost two fumbles on sacks.

"I tell you what, that's last week," Roethlisberger said. "We can look at it but you've got to move on, because you've got a game this week. We did our film study on Sunday and Monday, and now we're moving on to Kansas City. We've got to focus on that."

In other Steelers injury news, guard David DeCastro said Wednesday his right hand fracture is more serious than he originally thought when he jammed it Sunday against the Browns.

DeCastro said the injury felt "crunchy" but he played through it. Now, the swelling must subside before he can even wear a cast. He did not practice Wednesday and his status for Sunday against the Chiefs is very much in question.

"I could play a game (without practice)," DeCastro said. "I'm old enough now. We'll see how it goes. We're taking it day by day. We'll see how the swelling goes. You've just got to deal with it. No one cares that you're hurt."

DeCastro considers himself day-to-day but won't play unless he knows he can be better than backup B.J. Finney.

"If I'm not, it's just me being selfish," DeCastro said.

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