Losing quarterback Ben Roethlisberger for an estimated 4-6 weeks is an unfortunate loss for the Steelers. Many are now questioning the Steelers shot at making the playoffs without Big Ben.

I do think it’s fair to question the Steelers at this point. This team has an extreme amount of talent on offense with arguably the best running back in the league in Le’veon Bell, and possibly the best wide receiver in the league in Antonio Brown. But you can’t expect the same production out of these players without Ben back there running the show.

The Steelers haven’t been terrible in the past without Roethlisberger, posting a 10-8 record with someone else at starting quarterback. But against Thursday night’s opponent, the Baltimore Ravens, the Steelers are just 1-5 without Big Ben.

The Steelers schedule doesn’t get much easier after this week. They next have to travel out to San Diego for a Monday night showdown, then host the Arizona Cardinals who look like one of the best teams in the league thus far, play at Kansas City, and then face the Cincinnati Bengals who look like possible Super Bowl contenders. That is a tough stretch of games the Steelers are going to have to play most likely without Roethlisberger.

Now in at quarterback for the Steelers is Michael Vick. This is the exact reason why the Steelers brought in Vick, and now he has the chance to prove the value of the pickup.

Last year was the first time Vick started the year as a backup, playing behind Geno Smith of the New York Jets. Vick struggled completing just 53 percent of his passes. Vick now is a little more accustomed to the backup role.

Vick understands his time is running out as a QB in the NFL.

Vick said this to ESPN: “This is a great opportunity for me because I don’t know if I’m going to have this opportunity ever again. Just a month ago I wasn’t signed with a team. Now I feel like I have a chance to go out and play freely and go out and enjoy the game, enjoy this moment, enjoy being out there with my teammates.”

The Steelers obviously want Ben back as soon as possible, but don’t expect them to rush him back. Roethlisberger has pushed through many injuries in the past, but this one is definitely one of his worst.

Roethlisberger told reporters, “This one is a little more severe than I’ve had and one of the worst bone bruises I’ve had.”