PITTSBURGH — Ben Roethlisberger’s first big gain of the season may occur weeks before he returns to the field.
His six-game suspension for violating the league’s personal-conduct policy likely will be shortened to four games by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after the two meet in New York today.
The meeting will take place about 12 hours after the quarterback played two series in the Steelers’ final preseason game, completing 4-of-6 passes for 39 yards against the Panthers.
The league plans to review Roethlisberger’s behavior since he was accused of sexually assaulting a college student March 5.
Jones-Drew to return next week
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jaguars running back Maurice Jones- Drew said he expects to be back at practice next week.
Jones-Drew denied an Internet report he had arthroscopic knee surgery, but he acknowledged he has been “taking care of all the nicks and bruises.”
“I want to be back,” Jones-Drew said, “and I will be back on Monday doing everything I need to do to get ready to beat Denver.”
The Jaguars host the Broncos in their season opener Sept. 12.
Hardesty hurt
CLEVELAND — Rookie running back Montario Hardesty injured his left knee during Cleveland’s victory over the Bears and is scheduled to undergo an MRI today.
The Associated Press
<a href="http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_15979382tag:news.google.com,2005:cluster=http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_15979382Fri, 03 Sep 2010 07:04:17 GMT 00:00″>Roethlisberger's suspension likely cut to four games
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