Steelers at 49ers
THE STORY: The Pittsburgh Steelers could be without two key players for Monday night’s matchup with the host San Francisco 49ers. Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is dealing with a severe high ankle sprain that has kept him from practicing through Thursday. Being without the two-time Super Bowl-winning QB is not an appealing thought for the Steelers, particularly when going up against a defense that has surrendered the fewest points in the league this season. Pittsburgh LB James Harrison is expected to miss the contest after he was suspended one game for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Cleveland Browns QB Colt McCoy. The Niners have wrapped up the NFC West, but have lost two of their last three games.
TV: ESPN, 8:30 p.m. ET. LINE: 49ers -2.5, O/U OFF
ABOUT THE STEELERS (10-3): Pittsburgh has won four straight to remain in a four-way tie for the best record in the AFC. The Steelers have been dominant defensively since their bye week, allowing a total of 19 points in their last three games. They could be tested without Harrison, who has 8.0 sacks despite missing four games due to injury. Roethlisberger played the second half of a 14-3 win over Cleveland despite the ankle injury, but said the pain feels worse this week. He has not missed a game because of injury since December 2009. Charlie Batch will start if Roethlisberger can’t go.
ABOUT THE 49ERS (10-3): San Francisco blew a 12-point second-half lead in a 21-19 loss at Arizona last week. Stud MLB Patrick Willis sat out his second straight game with a hamstring injury. The Niners have struggled to find the end zone, getting 10 field goals from David Akers in the past three games. RB Frank Gore ripped off five straight 100-yard games earlier in the season, but has been dealing with injuries and has not surpassed 88 yards in his last five. QB Alex Smith is coming off one of his worst games, failing to complete half his passes and throwing for 175 yards.
EXTRA POINTS:
1. San Francisco has not allowed a 100-yard rusher in 35 contests and is the first team to not surrender a rushing TD in the first 13 games.
2. Pittsburgh has won its last six appearances on Monday Night Football.
3. This will mark only the third meeting between the teams in nine seasons. The 49ers hold a 10-9 all-time series edge.