Pittsburgh Steelers

Roethlisberger 'not looking back' as Steelers prepare for Chiefs

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers took a beating this past Sunday in Philadelphia, losing to the Eagles by 31 points. So what lessons did they learn that can help them moving forward?

"We're not looking back. We're looking forward," quarterback Ben Roethlisberger told Channel 11's Bill Phillips.

"We've got a great team coming to town. Sunday Night Football at Heinz Field, and this will be a great test for us."

The Steelers (2-1) believe they have much to look forward to as they prepare for a game with the Kansas City Chiefs (2-1).

Most notably, the Steelers will have running back Le'Veon Bell back from his three-game suspension for violating the National Football League's substance abuse policy.

Bell's impact should be felt immediately, especially in the passing game, where the Steelers are banged up.

Slot receiver Eli Rogers will likely miss Sunday's game with a foot injury.

Roethlisberger believes in Bell's ability as a pass catcher.

"He's one of the best in the business at what he does," Roethlisberger said. "He can block. He can catch. He can run after catch. So excited to get him back out there."

Roethlisberger isn't worried about Bell being rusty when he returns.

"I don't foresee there being any issues. If there is, we will iron them out in the next couple of days," Roethlisberger said. "There are some new things we've put in since he's been gone, but I fully expect him to pick up on them and be ready to go."

The Steelers quarterback said he expects to see Bell and fellow running back DeAngelo Williams, who rushed for 258 yards and collected 89 yards receiving while Bell was gone, on the field at the same time against Kansas City.

Roethlisberger has been solid against Kansas City, going 4-1 overall and 3-0 at home against the Chiefs.

He expected wide receiver Markus Wheaton, who struggled mightily in Philadelphia, to return to form against the Chiefs.

Roethlisberger will spend part of his prep time making sure his locker room neighbor is ready.

"Just keep building him up and letting him know I have faith and trust in him,"  Roethlisberger said.

Wheaton made two catches for 16 yards in the Steelers last match up with the Chiefs, a 23-13 loss last October in Kansas City.  Roethlisberger did not play in that contest, because he was out with a leg injury.

Sunday's game can be seen on Channel 11.