Report: Roethlisberger expected to start Sunday vs. Broncos

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is expected to be in the starting lineup for Sunday's divisional-round game against the Denver Broncos, according to Sal Paolantonio of ESPN.

Roethlisberger emerged from last week's win over the Cincinnati Bengals with a shoulder injury, and was listed as questionable on Friday's injury report.

While that designation suggests his status won't be official until game time Sunday afternoon, the reported expectation indicates he avoided any setback during the practice week.

Taking on the league's top-ranked defense without star wide receiver Antonio Brown, Roethlisberger will need to be at his best to give Pittsburgh a chance at advancing to the AFC Championship Game.

The Steelers arguably boasted the league's most explosive offensive attack in the 12 regular-season games where they had Roethlisberger under center, helping the club to an 8-4 record over that stretch.