National Football League

Tomlin: Big Ben should play vs. Chiefs

Published Nov. 22, 2011 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin says quarterback Ben Roethlisberger should be on the field and playing effectively Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs despite a fractured right thumb.

Roethlisberger broke the thumb in the second half of the Steelers' win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Nov. 13. He wore a splint under his glove and didn't take a snap from under center during Monday's practice. Yet Tomlin felt he threw well despite the pain.

Tomlin also expects safety Troy Polamalu, slowed during the bye week with a rib injury, to play Sunday. Linebacker LaMarr Woodley (hamstring) and receivers Arnaz Battle (hamstring) and Emmanuel Sanders (knee) all practiced in a limited capacity, and Tomlin said coaches will monitor their status day by day.