The Steelers intend to finally use their two biggest offensive stars when they play their third preseason game in New Orleans on Friday night, but both Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown said it's more of a desire rather than a necessity they get into a game.
Roethlisberger and Brown _ the NFL's most productive passing combo when together in 2015 _ were held out of the first two preseason games by coach Mike Tomlin, the first time that has happened since each came into the NFL. Running backs Le'Veon Bell and DeAngelo Williams were also held out of the first two preseason games.
"I feel like I could go into the regular season and do it, but I'd like to be out there because it's a different speed," Roethlisberger said Monday before practice. "You want to get out there. I wouldn't even mind getting hit once maybe after the ball's gone, just a little tap from someone."
It has not been determined how much they will play against the Saints, though typically the third preseason game is when the starters play the longest. This, though, has not been a typical preseason.
Brown averaged 9.9 catches and 133.3 receiving yards in the 12 games in which Roethlisberger played last season. All 10 receiving touchdowns came from Roethlisberger.
"It's the preseason, it doesn't really count," said Brown, who finished with the second most receptions (136) and fourth-most receiving yards (1,834) in league history in 2015. "Obviously you want to come into the year fresh, and stay fresh for when it really counts. But you want to get the feel of the game and the excitement to be out there, so I'm excited to be out there this week."
Asked if he needed to play in a preseason game to be ready for the regular season, Brown said, "I don't really need to catch a few passes in the preseason, but I don't mind if they come my way."
