Big Ben status unclear

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

PITTSBURGH -- Ben Roethlisberger's preference would be to play next Sunday when the Pittsburgh Steelers host Tennessee. His body might have other ideas.

The quarterback was scheduled to undergo an MRI on his left foot on Monday after injuring the foot on Pittsburgh's final drive in Sunday's 17-10 loss to Houston. Roethlisberger remained in the game but walked out of the locker-room afterward on crutches with the foot in a protective boot.

Roethlisberger isn't the only Steeler whose status is uncertain. Defensive end Aaron Smith (foot) and running back Rashard Mendenhall (hamstring) also left the game early.

Roethlisberger played the second half of last season with a minor foot injury and is hopeful he can do the same this time. He hasn't missed a game due to injury since 2009.