Steelers players amazed at Ben Roethlisberger's healing powers

If you read this site or watch CBS, you've known all along that Ben Roethlisberger could return to action against Baltimore next week. For those other news organizations just catching up to this development, well, welcome!

The reason that I reported this earlier this month was because some in the organization thought that while the rib injury was a serious immediate threat, it wasn't the long-term issue some were making it out to be. This isn't to say the rib injury is totally healed, but all signs point to Roethlisberger playing sooner rather than later.

The rib has healed quickly, and the shoulder isn't as bad. Big Ben is on the mend.

This news has caused some in the Pittsburgh locker room to be utterly amazed at Roethlisberger's healing powers. There's no question, once upon a time, some of Roethlisberger's teammates wondered if his pain and injuries were slightly exaggerated by the quarterback so he could appear to be football's version of Willis Reed.

No more.

One of Roethlisberger's teammates texted that he believes Roethlisberger is the toughest player that he has ever seen and ever will see.

Roethlisberger's ability to play hurt -- and heal quickly -- is becoming legendary. If it's not already there.