Banged up Big Ben sidelined

Ben Roethlisberger’s sprained right shoulder is just the start of his problems.

The Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback said Wednesday he also dislocated a rib while getting sacked in the third quarter of Monday night’s win against Kansas City. Roethlisberger sprained the SC joint in his shoulder on the play but says the rib issue is a bigger concern.

Roethlisberger said doctors are concerned the rib could cut into his aorta. He’s already been ruled out of Sunday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens. Backup Byron Leftwich will start in his place, though Roethlisberger doesn’t believe the injuries will end his season.

“I don’t think so, I don’t know though but I’m not a medical expert,” Roethlisberger said. “I just know I’m going to do what I can to get back.”

Quick kicks

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith went through position work in a non-contact black jersey Wednesday, his status still unclear for Monday night’s NFC showdown with the Chicago Bears after he suffered a concussion Sunday against the Rams. … Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler’s status for this week remains in question because of a concussion. Houston Texans linebacker Tim Dobbins has been fined $30,000 for a helmet-to-helmet hit that gave Cutler the concussion. … Eagles quarterback Michael Vick did not practice, but has not yet been ruled out of Sunday’s game versus the Washington Redskins. Vick suffered a concussion in the second quarter of a 38-23 loss to the Dallas Cowboys four days ago. … Matt Cassel will start at quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday against Cincinnati because Brady Quinn still has not been cleared to play following a concussion. … Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews will miss Sunday’s game in Detroit with a hamstring injury. … Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray says there’s “a chance” he could return Sunday against Cleveland after missing four games with a sprained right foot. … The New York Jets have signed running back Khalil Bell, who spent parts of the last four seasons with the Chicago Bears. … The Panthers have signed free agent guard Jeremy Bridges to serve as a stop-gap for their struggling offensive line. Carolina surrendered seven sacks last week.