Roethlisberger happy Palmer back

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, the former Miami University star quarterback, spoke this morning to Cincinnati media about the upcoming game.

He was asked about the comeback by Carson Palmer: "I am so happy that Carson is back. Obviously not happy as a guy going against him because he’s such a good player. But I’m happy for him that he can come back. I think he’s a great person. He’s a great quarterback. I know that there were some things that came out in the offseason how he hates the Steelers. Hopefully he doesn’t hate me. But I’m glad that he’s back and he’s doing well."

Ben, do you hate the Bengals? "Absolutely not. I don’t hate anybody."

Did Carson's comment surprise you? "Um, I don’t know that it surprises me too much because I know there’s a lot of hatred, if you will, and I know a lot of it probably came off the injury. It was unfortunate what happened to him because no one likes to see anybody get hurt. I’m sure it came off just the frustration and anger from the injury."

Roethlisberger also said he feels better each day. He played hurt and with a fever Monday night in the 9-0 loss at Jacksonville, which snapped the Steelers nine-game win streak, including their magnificent 4-0 postseason run.