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Ben Roethlisberger: Might be time for Steelers, Mike Tomlin to part ways

Wed Dec 3 5:23pm ET
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Steelers great Ben Roethlisberger said Wednesday that it could be time for coach Mike Tomlin to depart Pittsburgh.

Roethlisberger stated on his podcast that Tomlin would be better off with a new job and the Steelers just might benefit with a new head coach.

Tomlin is in his 19th season as Pittsburgh coach. Roethlisberger was the quarterback for 15 of those seasons and played his entire 18-year career with the Steelers.

Roethlisberger even suggested the Penn State college coaching vacancy as something that might fit Tomlin, who has a record of 189-113-2 (.625) as a head coach, 8-11 in the postseason, including the Super Bowl title in 2008.

"It's being talked about around here a lot: Maybe it's a clean-house time. Maybe it's time," Roethlisberger said. "I like Coach Tomlin. I have a lot of respect for Coach Tomlin. But maybe it's best for him, too. Maybe a fresh start for him is what's best. Whether that's in the pros, maybe go be Penn State's head coach. You know what he would do in Penn State? He would probably go win national championships. Because he's a great recruiter."

The Steelers (6-6) have lost five of their last seven games after a 4-1 start despite having four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers as quarterback. Pittsburgh is tied for first place in the AFC North with the Baltimore Ravens.

The Steelers visit Baltimore on Sunday.

Roethlisberger said he doesn't want to see Pittsburgh fire Tomlin. He feels it's best to seek a split where both sides can start over.

"Here's what you don't do: You don't fire a guy like Coach Tomlin," Roethlisberger said. "He's a Hall of Fame head coach, he's respected. What you do is you come to an understanding and agreement, and it's like, ‘Hey, listen, I think it's probably best for both of us.'"

The Steelers have dropped six straight playoff games, starting with a loss to the New England Patriots in the 2016 season AFC Championship Game.

A 13-win Pittsburgh team was upset by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the following's season divisional round and the Steelers have gone down in the wild-card round on four occasions, including last season's 28-14 loss to the Ravens with Russell Wilson as quarterback.

Roethlisberger pointed out the Steelers have seen longstanding coaches go before. Chuck Noll was on the job for 23 seasons before Bill Cowher spent 15 seasons in Pittsburgh prior to Tomlin.

"You go, ‘Hey, coach, listen, it's probably best for all parties involved, let's start over.' It happened with Chuck Noll, it happened with Coach Cowher," Roethlisberger said. "Coach Tomlin's been here a long time. You'd give him a statue, whatever you've got to do, because he deserves it, he's earned it. But it's time to find that next guy. Who's that next guy that could be here for the next 20 years?"

Roethlisberger mentioned how the Philadelphia Eagles faced a similar fork with Andy Reid as coach. The two parted ways after the 2012 season after 14 seasons and no Super Bowl titles.

The Eagles have since won two crowns and Reid has won three as coach of the Kansas City Chiefs.

"I think he might say it's time for a fresh start," Roethlisberger said of Tomlin. "Andy Reid, when he got let go in Philadelphia ... do you think he for one minute regrets it? And now the Eagles have won since he left, and he's won."

The Steelers last won the Super Bowl in the 2008 season when Roethlisberger was quarterback and Tomlin was in his second campaign as head coach. Roethlisberger also won the Super Bowl in the 2005 season when Cowher was head coach.

Roethlisberger passed for 64,088 yards, 418 touchdowns and 211 interceptions in 249 games (247 starts) with Pittsburgh. He stands sixth in career passing yards, eighth in career touchdown passes and was a six-time Pro Bowl selection.

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Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 14

Player Notes
Geno Smith Dec 3 6:40pm CT
Geno Smith

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (foot) was listed as a limited participant in Wednesday's practice due to a foot injury, according to Ryan McFadden of ESPN. It's a new injury for Smith and is something that we'll be keeping a close eye on as the team prepares for a Week 14 divisional game on Sunday against the visiting Denver Broncos. The 35-year-old veteran has had a rough first season in Vegas and will be a QB3 in fantasy football if he plays this weekend against one of the best defenses in the NFL. The Broncos have the most sacks in the NFL through 13 weeks, and the Raiders' offensive line has not done a good job of protecting Smith at all this year. It's a bad combination, especially if Smith's mobility is limited by his foot. In the loss to Denver on Nov. 6, Smith went 16-for-26 passing for 143 yards, no touchdowns, and one interception.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Jones Dec 3 6:30pm CT
Aaron Jones

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Aaron Jones Sr. (shoulder) was limited in the team's first practice of the week on Wednesday, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Although Jones injured his shoulder in Sunday's loss to the Seattle Seahawks and never returned, his injury isn't considered serious, and he's day-to-day going into a Week 14 tilt this weekend versus the visiting Washington Commanders. Still, the 31-year-old veteran's status should be closely monitored over the next couple of days, as Jordan Mason could take on a bigger role this weekend against Washington if Jones ends up being limited at all in Sunday's game. The lack of overall efficiency from Minnesota's offense is draining the fantasy value of all of their skill players, including Jones'. The good news is that quarterback J.J. McCarthy (concussion) is on track to return in Week 14. If Jones plays this weekend, he'll be more of an RB3/flex option with a limited ceiling.

From RotoBaller

J.J. McCarthy Dec 3 6:20pm CT
J.J. McCarthy

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (concussion) was a full participant in practice on Wednesday, putting him on track to return on Sunday against the Washington Commanders in Week 14, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. McCarthy still needs final clearance from an independent neurologist to be cleared from the league's concussion protocol, but he's trending in the right direction after suffering a concussion in Week 12 and missing the Week 13 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. In his absence on Sunday, undrafted rookie QB Max Brosmer was a disaster, throwing four interceptions, including an ugly pick-six. The 22-year-old McCarthy has mostly struggled in 2025 after missing his entire rookie season, completing just 54.1% of his passes for 929 yards, six touchdowns, and 10 picks in six starts. If he returns on Sunday, McCarthy will be a volatile low-end QB2 option in superflex formats.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Rodgers Dec 3 6:00pm CT
Aaron Rodgers

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (wrist) was listed as a non-participant in Wednesday's practice, according to Brian Wacker of The Baltimore Sun. Rodgers, who is playing through three fractures in his left (non-throwing) wrist, will probably be limited early in the week for the rest of the season. The 42-year-old future Hall of Famer is expected to be active again this weekend for a crucial divisional contest against the Baltimore Ravens, but he might not do much in practice this week. The good news for Rodgers is that he didn't do any damage to his left wrist by playing in the Week 13 loss to the Buffalo Bills, and he appears to be in better shape going into Week 14 despite being battered and bloodied last Sunday. Rodgers hasn't thrown for over 200 yards in a game since Nov. 2 and has limited weapons in the passing game outside of receiver DK Metcalf. He will be a low-upside fantasy QB on the QB2/3 borderline versus Baltimore.

From RotoBaller

Baker Mayfield Dec 3 5:40pm CT
Baker Mayfield

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (shoulder) continues to work through a sprained AC joint in his left (non-throwing) shoulder and was limited in Wednesday's practice, according to Greg Auman of FOX Sports. Mayfield injured his shoulder in the Week 12 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, but he played in Sunday's victory over the Arizona Cardinals, going 18-for-28 for 194 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions while carrying the ball six times for an additional 27 yards. The 30-year-old is as tough as they come and is fully expected to play again in Week 14 against the division-rival New Orleans Saints. Mayfield hasn't thrown more than one touchdown in any of his last three games, but he'll be on the low-end QB1 radar this weekend in a rematch against the Saints, potentially with star wideout Mike Evans (collarbone) back in the fold. Mayfield went 15-for-24 for 152 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions in a 23-3 win over the Saints back on Oct. 26.

From RotoBaller

Chris Godwin Dec 3 5:40pm CT
Chris Godwin

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (leg) remains on the team's injury report and was listed as limited in practice on Wednesday, according to FOX Sports' Greg Auman. Godwin may stay on the injury report the rest of the year for maintenance purposes as he comes back from a fractured fibula that he suffered back in Week 5. The 29-year-old pass-catcher returned in Week 12 and has five catches on nine targets for 87 yards in his two games back. He was on the field more in last week's win over the Arizona Cardinals and had three catches on five targets for a season-high 78 yards. Although Mike Evans' (collarbone) impending return from Injured Reserve will take a little steam out of Godwin's rest-of-season outlook, he should still be a pretty key weapon for quarterback Baker Mayfield in the passing game. Consider him a viable WR3/flex option in fantasy for a Week 14 battle against the division-rival New Orleans Saints.

From RotoBaller

Jalen McMillan Dec 3 5:30pm CT
Jalen McMillan

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan (neck) was limited in practice on Wednesday, according to FOX Sports' Greg Auman. This was McMillan's first practice since suffering a severe neck strain and multiple broken bones in his neck back in the preseason in August. The 23-year-old is trending toward a return this year, but it probably won't be for another couple of weeks. And when McMillan does return, he'll be joining a crowded receiving room in Tampa alongside wideouts Mike Evans (collarbone), Chris Godwin, rookie first-rounder Emeka Egbuka, and rookie Tez Johnson. It's highly unlikely that McMillan is going to have a big enough role when he returns to put him on the fantasy map in 12-team leagues.

From RotoBaller

Mike Evans Dec 3 5:20pm CT
Mike Evans

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (collarbone) was listed as limited in the team's walkthrough practice on Wednesday, according to FOX Sports' Greg Auman. Evans has made good progress since breaking his collarbone in Week 7, but the Bucs will re-evaluate him later this week before determining if they'll activate him from Injured Reserve so that he can play on Sunday against the division-rival New Orleans Saints. The 32-year-old future Hall of Famer should not be floating around on the waiver wire in fantasy leagues, even if Tampa decides to wait another week to activate him. The six-time Pro Bowler will break a ridiculous streak of 11 straight 1,000-yard seasons due to injuries this year, but he still has the potential to be a difference-maker for fantasy managers in the playoffs. Evans' impending return is more bad news for slumping rookie first-round wideout Emeka Egbuka.

From RotoBaller

Mark Andrews Dec 3 5:10pm CT
Mark Andrews

Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews agreed to terms on a three-year, $39.3 million contract extension with the team on Wednesday that includes $26 million guaranteed, sources tell Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. Andrews is the franchise's all-time leading receiver, who was in the final year of his deal. The 2026 campaign will be his ninth with the team after the Ravens drafted him in the third round in 2018. Andrews is going strong and currently has 473 career catches for 5,826 yards and 56 touchdowns. The 30-year-old veteran isn't nearly as consistent as he's been in the past for fantasy managers, but he's managed 37 catches on 52 targets for 332 yards and five touchdowns in 12 games in 2025, good enough to make him the TE13 in half-PPR scoring. Isaiah Likely's presence in Baltimore makes Andrews more volatile in fantasy, but he'll be a low-end TE1 this weekend against the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers.

From RotoBaller

Bucky Irving Dec 3 5:10pm CT
Bucky Irving

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (shoulder) is still on the team's injury report and was listed as limited in practice on Wednesday, according to Greg Auman of FOX Sports. Irving returned in last Sunday's win over the Arizona Cardinals for the first time since Week 4 due to a dislocated shoulder and a foot sprain. Tampa was expected to ease the 23-year-old RB back in, but he ended up handling a healthy 17 carries for 61 yards (3.6 yards per tote) and two rushing touchdowns on 52% of the offensive snaps. Irving added two catches on two targets for 20 yards. Surprisingly, Sean Tucker played just 15% of the snaps. Irving should be fine to play in Week 14 against the division-rival New Orleans Saints, and he should see an even bigger share of the backfield work. As long as Irving doesn't have a setback with his shoulder, he should be considered an RB1 in fantasy in his second game back.

From RotoBaller

Chris Olave Dec 3 5:00pm CT
Chris Olave

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (back) was listed as a non-participant during Wednesday's practice due to a back injury, according to FOX Sports' Greg Auman. Olave dealt with some back spasms late last week and was considered questionable to play in Week 13 against the Miami Dolphins, but he ended up playing and catching four of seven targets for 47 yards and his fifth touchdown of the year. The 25-year-old's back flared up after Sunday's game in Miami, though, which could make him questionable for the second straight week. As long as Olave is able to return to practice later this week, though, he should be able to play this weekend versus the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Olave is a must-start fantasy wideout when he's active. In the previous meeting with Tampa on Oct. 26, Olave caught eight of his 12 targets for 63 yards.

From RotoBaller

Alvin Kamara Dec 3 4:50pm CT
Alvin Kamara

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (ankle, knee) is missing another practice on Wednesday, according to Greg Auman of FOX Sports. Kamara sprained his MCL in the Week 12 loss to the Atlanta Falcons and did not play in the Week 13 loss to the Miami Dolphins after missing practice all of last week. With the Saints well out of playoff contention, it seems likely that the 30-year-old will miss another game this weekend when the team takes on the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers. With Kamara out last Sunday, rookie Devin Neal made his first career start and played a season-high 82% of the offensive snaps, taking 17 touches for 69 yards from scrimmage. In a plus matchup, Neal will be on the RB2/3 borderline for fantasy managers as New Orleans' lead back if Kamara is forced to sit out another game.

From RotoBaller

Kyle Monangai Dec 3 4:40pm CT
Kyle Monangai

Chicago Bears rookie running back Kyle Monangai (ankle) was a non-participant on Wednesday due to an ankle injury. It's the first time that Monangai has been on the injury report with an ankle injury since back in Week 10. The Bears could be giving the 23-year-old some extra rest this week, but it's a situation to monitor closely for fantasy managers ahead of the team's big Week 14 divisional matchup against the Green Bay Packers. Monangai has seen double-digit carries in five of the last seven weeks for the Bears as he becomes a much bigger part of their offense. In last week's win over the Eagles, the seventh-rounder had 22 carries for 130 yards and a touchdown to bump his TD streak up to four straight games. If his ankle injury is serious enough to make him limited or keep him out entirely this weekend, D'Andre Swift would have clear RB1 upside as Chicago's workhorse RB.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Daniels Dec 3 4:40pm CT
Jayden Daniels

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) was listed as a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, according to Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post. Daniels is back at practice after dislocating his left (non-throwing) elbow back in Week 9, but he has yet to be cleared for contact and is up in the air to return on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 14. The Commanders plan on waiting until Friday to re-evaluate the 24-year-old second-year signal-caller. There's a chance that Daniels will be able to return in Minnesota, but the Commanders will probably play it extra safe with their franchise QB, and he'll likely need to upgrade to a full practice before the week is over to have a realistic shot of playing. Washington won't be afraid to give Marcus Mariota his seventh start of the year if they are on the fence about Daniels' status.

From RotoBaller

Rome Odunze Dec 3 4:30pm CT
Rome Odunze

Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (foot) was listed as a non-participant in Wednesday's practice session, according to the team's official website. Odunze last appeared on the injury report in Week 11 with an ankle injury, and it's been common for the second-year wideout to miss practice on Wednesdays this season as the team manages his workload. The 23-year-old hasn't missed a game this season, though, and he will likely be good to go for Sunday against the Packers, barring something unforeseen. Odunze's production has fallen off in recent weeks, as he's recorded three receptions or fewer in six of his last eight games with only one touchdown during that time. He projects as more of a WR3 for Week 14 against a tough Green Bay Packers defense, assuming he can suit up.

From RotoBaller

Daniel Jones Dec 3 4:00pm CT
Daniel Jones

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (fibula) was listed as a full participant in Wednesday's practice session, according to the team's official website. Jones' full participation on Wednesday is an estimation, as the Colts conducted a walk-through. It was reported last week that the 28-year-old signal-caller is playing through a fractured fibula, and his production has cooled off a bit in recent weeks after an excellent start to the season. Jones has completed 67.9% of his passes for 3,041 yards with 19 touchdowns and seven interceptions while adding 44 carries for 160 yards and five rushing touchdowns in 12 starts this season. The veteran quarterback will continue playing through the injury and will look to return to his early-season form for a big divisional game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 14.

From RotoBaller

Josh Downs Dec 3 3:50pm CT
Josh Downs

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (hip, knee) was a non-participant during Wednesday's practice session, according to the team's official website. Downs last appeared on the injury report in Week 9 with a hip injury, but it appears he picked up a knee injury during the Colts' Week 13 loss to the Houston Texans. The 24-year-old's production has faded lately as he's taken a back seat to the Colts' other talented pass-catchers. He's recorded just five receptions for 57 yards on 14 targets in the past three games after seeing a season high of nine targets in Week 9 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Downs' participation in practice will be monitored in the next two days, but even if he suits up for Week 14's game against the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars, he projects more as a deep-league flex option in PPR formats.

From RotoBaller

Harrison Phillips Dec 3 3:43pm CT
Harrison Phillips

New York Jets S Tony Adams (groin), CB Jarvis Brownlee Jr. (hip), DE Jermaine Johnson (ankle), DT Harrison Phillips (non-injury), LB Marcelino McCrary-Ball (hamstring) and CB Qwan'tez Stiggers (concussion) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Dec. 3. DE Will McDonald (ankle) was limited during practice, while LB Cam Jones (hip) fully participated in practice.

From TheHuddle

Andrew Billings Dec 3 3:33pm CT
Andrew Billings

Chicago Bears LB Ruben Hyppolite II (shoulder), RB Kyle Monangai (ankle), WR Rome Odunze (foot) and CB Tyrique Stevenson (hip) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Dec. 3. LB T.J. Edwards (hamstring, hand) was limited during practice. DT Andrew Billings (concussion), CB Jaylon Johnson (groin), DE Dominique Robinson (concussion) and LB Noah Sewell (elbow) fully participated in practice. The Bears did not hold a practice Wednesday, so the report is an estimation.

From TheHuddle

Brock Wright Dec 3 3:30pm CT
Brock Wright

Detroit Lions tight end Brock Wright (neck) has been ruled out for Thursday night's game against the Dallas Cowboys, according to Eric Woodyard of ESPN. Wright was a non-participant every day in practice this week and isn't expected to return anytime soon after head coach Dan Campbell revealed his injury involves his trachea, and that it could be a long-term issue. The 27-year-old was expected to serve as the Lions' top tight end after Sam LaPorta (back) was placed on Injured Reserve, but Wright may miss the remainder of the season. Ross Dwelley stepped up and played the majority of snaps in Week 13 against the Green Bay Packers with Anthony Firkser mixing in, and both figure to split the reps on Thursday night against the Cowboys. Fantasy managers should look elsewhere for help at the TE position.

From RotoBaller