Roethlisberger Ruled Out Again

Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger won’t play for the second consecutive game as he recovers from arthroscopic knee surgery.

Charlie Batch, who made his first start in four years in a 20-10 victory last Sunday at Green Bay, will go again Sunday night against the Cleveland Browns in Pittsburgh.

After Roethlisberger had surgery last week to remove damaged cartilage from his right knee, Coach Bill Cowher said he would be out 10 to 14 days. The Steelers hope he returns for the Nov. 20 game at Baltimore.

Batch moved up from No. 3 on the depth chart after former starter Tommy Maddox threw three interceptions and lost a fumble in a 23-17 overtime loss to Jacksonville on Oct. 16, when Roethlisberger was out because of an injured left knee. Maddox did not play against Green Bay.

Running backs Willie Parker, who injured an ankle Sunday, and Jerome Bettis, whose knee injury kept him out against Green Bay, are listed as questionable against Cleveland. If neither can play, Duce Staley will get his first start of the season.

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Peyton Manning’s first win at New England helped give “Monday Night Football” its highest TV rating in five years.

The Colts’ 40-21 victory over the Patriots earned a 14.3 rating, the highest since a 15.2 for St. Louis at Tampa Bay on Dec. 18, 2000. The broadcast averaged 15.7 million homes, the most on “MNF” since 16.3 million for Dallas at Minnesota on Nov. 8, 1999.

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Kansas City running back Priest Holmes, who suffered a concussion in a game against San Diego on Oct. 30 and was held out of Sunday’s victory over Oakland, was in Miami getting a third opinion on the injury. The Chiefs do not have a timetable for his return.... New Orleans signed veteran running back Anthony Thomas, who was released by Dallas after the emergence of rookies Marion Barber and Tyson Thompson. He has rushed for 3,412 yards in his career in 894 attempts with 21 touchdowns. In addition, he has 74 catches for 514 yards.

Chicago released veteran fullback Marc Edwards and activated fullback Jason McKie from the non-football injury list. Edwards, who signed with the Bears in July, started five games and caught 10 passes for 66 yards and two touchdowns.... Arizona kicker Neil Rackers signed a four-year contract extension.