Roethlisberger’s Status Unclear for Next Game

Ben Roethlisberger’s right knee injury apparently isn’t serious, but Pittsburgh Steeler Coach Bill Cowher isn’t ready to say whether his quarterback will be ready to play Sunday in Green Bay.

Roethlisberger underwent an MRI exam Tuesday, about 12 hours after the Steelers’ 20-19 victory over the Baltimore Ravens, and was given a preliminary diagnosis of a strained posterior capsule. The injury affects the range of motion of the knee and can be very painful.

“All ligaments are fine, and we’ll get a further update as the week goes on,” Cowher said.

*

Cleveland Brown running back Reuben Droughns was arrested and charged with drunk driving early Tuesday in Strongsville, Ohio.

Droughns failed a field sobriety test, and after agreeing to take a blood-alcohol test at the patrol’s Medina post, he registered a .08 -- the state’s legal limit.

*

Seattle Seahawk safety Ken Hamlin will be out for the rest of the season because of injuries suffered last month in a fight outside a nightclub.

Hamlin was put on the non-football injury list.

Hamlin is recuperating at his home after fracturing his skull, and suffering a blood clot near the brain and bruised brain tissue in the attack Oct. 17 in which he was beaten with a street sign.

*

As expected, quarterback Daunte Culpepper’s season officially ended when the Minnesota Vikings put him on injured reserve because of a right knee injury.... The San Francisco 49ers signed Jesse Palmer after losing their top two quarterbacks to injuries.... The Denver Broncos put cornerback Lenny Walls on the reserve-injured list, meaning he must be released after he recovers from an injured groin.... The Dallas Cowboys released running back Anthony Thomas and put linebacker Al Singleton on injured reserve.... The Bengals waived guard Steven Vieira, a former UCLA standout, leaving him eligible to fill a spot on Cincinnati’s practice squad.