The Legend of Ben.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has made a career of overcoming odds on the field, particularly pertaining to injuries.

The eighth-year quarterback has shrugged off not just the common bumps and bruises, but four concussions, high ankle sprains, a broken hand, broken nose, a broken bone in the foot and other ailments that would keep him out of action.

He did miss a couple of games due to concussions, but when things look bleak, Roethlisberger has always found the will — and a way — to shine.

As I’m writing this early Monday evening, Roethlisberger’s status for the Monday night game against the San Francisco 49ers (10-3) is questionable. It was to be a game-time decision.

I can tell you right now, at 7:24 p.m. Monday that he’s going to play.

The high ankle sprain he suffered in the second quarter of the 14-3 victory over the Cleveland Browns Dec. 8 looked serious. Roethlisberger could not put any weight on the leg.

He made a valiant effort to return in the second half, and despite obvious discomfort, kept the Steelers offense moving and did enough to hold on for the much-needed win.

It was determined Roethlisberger suffered a high ankle sprain, which for some players, especially running backs and receivers, could take three-to-four weeks to recover.

Roethlisberger is giving himself just 10 days. After spending some time in a walking boot, the swelling had gone down and was looking better late last week, so the Steelers were cautiously optimistic.

With center Maurkice Pouncey already out due to a similar injury and linebackers LaMarr Woodley and safety Troy Polamalu expected to play but slowed by their injuries, the Steelers will need all the help they can get.

With the Baltimore Ravens’ 34-14 loss at San Diego Sunday, a win by the Steelers would put them a game up on the Ravens in the division, as well as the upper hand for the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs.

Pittsburgh will face the struggling St. Louis Rams, then end the regular season with Cleveland. Baltimore has Cleveland and Cincinnati, which is making its own playoff push.

Roethlisberger relishes this kind of stage. Hard to believe some questioned his toughness as much as two years ago. He’s led the team to three Super Bowl appearances and two titles.

As a teammate, how do you not want to play hard for a leader like that when he puts himself out there every week?

Sure, his personal life had been in shambles after two sexual assault accusations, but he seems to have squared that part of his life away. Now, his focus is on football and can’t seem to get along without it. Injuries don’t seem to low him down.

Even Steelers coach Mike Tomlin told ESPN, “Ben’s competitive. Something like this stokes his fire. He loves a little adversity. But we won’t be negligent. We’ll see how it unfolds.”

Just try keeping him off the field.

Sam Tallarico is a staff writer for the Butler Eagle.