Ben Roethlisberger overcomes injury, helps rally Steelers late

— -- CINCINNATI -- Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger returned to the AFC wild-card playoff game against the Cincinnati Bengals after exiting earlier with a right shoulder injury and helped Pittsburgh to a last-minute, game-winning drive in an 18-16 victory Saturday night.

Roethlisberger was hurt on a sack by linebacker Vontaze Burfict in the closing seconds of the third quarter but re-entered the game with 1:23 remaining in the fourth, after the Bengals had fumbled.

Roethlisberger had jogged back onto the field with 5:12 remaining in the game and the Steelers clinging to a 15-10 lead. But backup Landry Jones stayed in the game on the Steelers' next possession and remained in it even after the Bengals took a 16-15 lead with less than two minutes to go.

But Jones was intercepted by Burfict, only for the Bengals to fumble on their next possession, leading the Big Ben's return late.

With Mike Vick inactive, Jones is the only quarterback available for Pittsburgh other than Roethlisberger. Jones has no playoff experience but threw for three touchdowns and two interceptions in six quarters of midseason relief work.

Burfict got a free shot at Roethlisberger and capitalized. The quarterback walked off on his own accord but quickly got checked out by trainers and left the game on a cart. He was booed as he left the field.

He was examined in an X-ray room, according to the CBS broadcast, before returning to the field.

Burfict's hit came shortly after a scuffle at midfield over the Bengals' disapproval of Steelers linebacker  Ryan Shazier's hit on running back  Gio Bernard. Shazier appeared to lead with his helmet. Bernard was undergoing concussion protocol and was ruled out.

Roethlisberger was 13-of-24 for 189 yards and one touchdown before leaving. He has been injured multiple times this season, missing four games with a sprained MCL and missing a week of practice with a bone bruise on his foot.