Report: Ben Roethlisberger Out Sunday

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will not play in Sunday night's key game at Baltimore, FOX Sports' Jay Glazer reported Saturday, because he is suffering from "exercise induced headaches" less than a week after suffering a concussion.

Roethlisberger was injured last Sunday in Kansas City when he took a blow to the head on the Steelers' last play of regulation. Backup Charlie Batch replaced him in overtime -- the Chiefs won 27-24.

Batch broke his wrist during that brief cameo in K.C., an injury that will sideline him for the next six weeks. So Dennis Dixon, the Steelers' 2008 fifth-round draft pick, will make his first NFL start against the Ravens, if Roethlisberger does indeed sit.

More Coverage: Steelers May Be OK Without Big Ben

Dixon's only regular-season NFL action came in Week 17 last year against Cleveland. He threw one pass for three yards. He was a dynamic dual-threat QB at Oregon, so his scrambling ability could put some pressure on the Baltimore defense, though Pittsburgh will likely rely heavily on its run game. With Roethlisberger and Batch both hurt, Dixon's backup may wind up being rookie Tyler Palko, whom the Steelers added to their practice squad this week.

Roethlisberger seemed on pace to start Sunday night after returning to practice and being cleared by doctors. However, NFL.com's Jason La Canfora reported Friday that Roethlisberger told Steelers coach Mike Tomlin that he was considering sitting out the game as a precaution.

It's hard to fault Big Ben if that's the case, even knowing how crucial this week's game is for his 6-4 team. Roethlisberger has dealt with concussions in the past -- not to mention the injuries he sustained in a motorcycle accident a few summers back -- and with the NFL's increased focus on the effects of head injuries, he's probably doing himself a favor down the road.

Still, it's potentially a huge loss for Pittsburgh, given the team's ongoing battle to make the playoffs -- the defending Super Bowl champion Steelers are currently tied for the final AFC wild card spot with Jacksonville; Baltimore, 5-5, is a game behind.