Roethlisberger strongly suggests he'll be back

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Ben Roethlisberger sure sounded like he's about to return.

Cornered at his stall by several reporters despite his already having made clear he'd prefer not to speak following the Steelers' 23-13 loss to the Chiefs Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium, Roethlisberger acknowledged he was "pretty close" to returning for this game and that "we'll see" about next week against the first-place Bengals.

Mike Tomlin also described Roethlisberger as having been "pretty close" to participating in this game and said he'll plan on having his franchise quarterback against Cincinnati while also cautioning that all concerned will be wary of how his knee handles full practices.

On other injury fronts: Willie Gay left in the fourth quarter because of a shoulder injury. There was no additional word. Antwon Blake was tested for a concussion in the first half but returned for the second and described himself as "fine."

I'll have a full column by 6:30 p.m.