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Odds against Roethlisberger's return for Week 7, despite Vick's play

Ben Roethlisberger remains on the Pittsburgh sideline, the victim of an MCL sprain and bone bruise suffered in Week 3. The earliest Roethlisberger could have returned would be next week's game, but according to reports, that might be a touch optimistic.

"Based on what he is doing in practice, which features almost no movement, he's doing hardly anything, my understanding is that he's viewed as a long shot for next week," NFL Network's Ian Rapoport said on Sunday morning. "It was always the early part of his window to come back. He's going to try, but from what I'm told it seems unlikely that Ben plays next week."

The Steelers are 2-1 in Roethlisberger's absence, counting the game in which he was injured. Mike Vick, Roethlisberger's replacement, has guided the team to a loss in overtime against the Ravens and a win on a last-second run against San Diego.

The Steelers' bye week isn't until Week 11. In addition to Sunday's game against the Cardinals, the Steelers have games against the Chiefs, Bengals, Raiders and Browns upcoming.

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Jay Busbee is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Contact him at jay.busbee@yahoo.com or find him on Twitter.

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