"Ben Roethlisberger, who has made a career of standing up to challenges, successfully answered the latest one issued by his head coach.

And it means Roethlisberger is the Steelers' starting quarterback again, barring an unexpected injury setback Thursday or Friday.

Roethlisberger, in so much pain from his rib and shoulder-related injuries last week that he could throw only lightly, so impressed coach Mike Tomlin with his upgraded throwing Wednesday that he ran the starting offense in practice from nearly start to finish.

"We'll see how his body responds (Thursday), and we'll go from there, but it was a positive day," Tomlin said. "He made all the necessary throws."

It was big step forward from last week, when Roethlisberger visibly was bothered by his shoulder sprain and a fracture inside his upper chest still needed time to ossify, or form new bone.

Now it appears only a major setback will keep him from starting Sunday against the Chargers (4-8) at Heinz Field in what would be his first game since he was hurt Nov. 12 against Kansas City.