As the San Francisco 49ers prepare to welcome in the Pittsburgh Steelers for Monday Night Football, they may catch a few breaks. According to recent reports on Saturday from Steelers practice, Ben Roethlisberger continued to be limited at practice and is questionable for the showdown. All-Pro center Maurkice Pouncey has been ruled out for the game, as has wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders.
OLB Carter, Pouncey, WR Sanders all out for Mon. nite. WR Battle, Ben, CB CBrown are questionable. Troy, OT Gilbert are probable.
— Steelers Digest (@SteelersDigest) December 17, 2011
This news has to be concerning for the Steelers, especially with Big Ben already banged up. Even if Roethlisberger plays -- and most are expecting him to do so -- you have to wonder what will happen if and when the 49ers relentless pass rush puts pressure on that sprained ankle.
There was some good news for the Steelers on Saturday with Troy Polamalu:
Roethlisberger was limited in practice on Friday and Saturday. Polamalu was a full participant on Saturday.
— Steelers Digest (@SteelersDigest) December 17, 2011
We'll have to closely monitor the progress of Roethlisberger and Polamalu, especially with kickoff just about 48 hours away. This is a big game, folks, and Pittsburgh will need all hands on deck if they want to pull off the road victory.
For more on the 49ers, head on over to Niners Nation.