Steelers... 31, Browns... 0

Ben Roethlisberger gave the playoff-bound Pittsburgh Steelers a major scare by suffering a concussion during an essentially meaningless game, a 31-0 victory over the embarrassed Browns that probably was Romeo Crennel’s last as Cleveland’s coach.

Roethlisberger, expected to play a half to stay sharp before a two-week break, lay on the turf for nearly 15 minutes after being leveled by Willie McGinest and D’Qwell Jackson while delivering a pass late in the second quarter.

Despite the long delay, Roethlisberger’s teammates did not react as if he had been seriously hurt and the quarterback flashed a thumbs-up while being driven off the field.

Unless follow-up tests unexpectedly reveal additional problems, the injury probably won’t sideline Roethlisberger for the No. 2-seeded Steelers’ AFC playoff game Jan. 10 or 11.

Pittsburgh finished the regular season at 12-4, while the Brown went 4-12 for the third time in five seasons.

Quoteworthy: “We were so upset we had to practice on Christmas, we had to take it out on the Browns.” -- Larry Foote, Steelers linebacker