NFL notes: Roethlisberger returns for Pittsburgh Steelers

Ben Roethlisberger is back for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Coach Mike Tomlin confirmed Tuesday that the two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback will play Sunday against unbeaten Cincinnati after having missed four games with a sprained knee and bruised leg.

Roethlisberger initially feared the worst after he left in the third quarter of a September win at St. Louis, but he was relieved to learn the injury didn’t end his season.

Pittsburgh, which went 2-2 without Roethlisberger, is 4-3 overall and 2 1/2 games behind the Bengals for the top spot in the AFC North.

There may be a rust factor involved as Roethlisberger appeared in all 16 games the previous two seasons, but never missed more than four in a season.

Unbeatens lead rankings

No losses, no changes among the NFL’s five remaining unbeaten teams in the latest AP Pro32 power rankings, with the New England Patriots again leading the way.

The next four are Green Bay, Cincinnati, Carolina and Denver, all 6-0. The Packers received three first-place votes and 369 points.

Manziel investigated

Police say NFL investigators have spoken to the officers at the scene of Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel’s domestic incident.

The league is looking into whether Manziel violated its personal conduct policy.

Manziel is scheduled to meet with the league regarding the incident.

There’s a chance Manziel may have to play this week against the Arizona Cardinals if starter Josh McCown is ruled out with an injury.

Mallett released

Ryan Mallett finally ran out of chances in Houston and was released by the Texans after he missed the team’s charter to Florida this past weekend.

The Texans also placed Arian Foster on injured reservefor the rest of the season with an Achilles tendon injury.

It wasn’t the first time Mallett had missed a team activity: He overslept and missed a practice in training camp.

Mallett was in his second season in Houston after being traded from New England in August 2014 after spending three seasons as Tom Brady’s backup.

Mallett lost the starting job in training camp, but took over in the season opener after Brian Hoyer struggled. Mallett started the team’s next four games but led the Texans to just one win. as he threw two touchdown passes with four interceptions. He was benched in favor of Hoyer in the middle of his fourth start against Indianapolis on Oct. 8.

Pierre-Paul inked

Defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul and the New York Giants have agreed to a contract more than three months after he damaged his right hand in a fireworks accident in Florida.

The team announced the deal.

Pierre-Paul met with the team over the past two days and was given the OK to play by team doctors.

The new deal is believed to be loaded with incentives.

ACL benches Murphy

Tampa Bay receiver Louis Murphy will miss the rest of the season after tearing the ACL in his right knee.

The Bucs placed the seventh-year pro on injured reserve. Tuesday. He appeared in six games, starting one, and had 10 receptions for 198 yards.