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According to ESPN.com's Jeremy Fowler, none of should read too much into that.
Mike Tomlin said he expects Roethlisberger to play. He's not alone in that feeling. Even Marvin Lewis expects him to play.
If there's a setback in practice this week, then, yes, it's possible he sits for the fifth straight games.
Otherwise, he plays. There's no reason to doubt that right now.
Here was the quote that got everybody excited: "We have to take it one day at a time. That’s why I’m not getting my hopes up Sunday. I’m getting my hopes up for today.”
As Profootballtalk.com noted, Roethlisberger practiced last week on a limited basis, and he said his knee swelled up. That inflammation kept him out of last Friday’s practice, though doctors told Roethlisberger that was normal.
As Fowler suggested, the important thing is Roethlisberger was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, which is a graduation from last week.
The fact he's a full go this early in the week is a positive sign, and echoes what Tomlin said.
"We don't have any reservations or limitations about his ability," Tomlin told reporters on Tuesday. "As I sit here today, we're comfortable where he is in his overall ability. We're going to need him, obviously."
The Steelers failed to score more than 25 points in any of their four games without Roethlisberger, who does make a good point regarding his recovery.
He needs to be fully functional to take the field against Cincinnati.
"If there’s a restriction, I shouldn't be out there," said Roethlisberger, who added he felt some pain from last week's work.
Stay tuned. I'll have more Big Ben after today's practice. ...
Meanwhile, PFT reports it will probably be Friday before we know if Landry Jones or Michael Vick, inactive last week due to a hamstring injury, will serve as Roethlisberger's backup.