49ers preparing for healthy Big Ben

SANTA CLARA -- Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger went through limited practice Friday for the first time since sustaining a high-ankle sprain eight days ago against the Cleveland Browns.

Roethlisberger's status for the Steelers' Monday night game against the 49ers remains uncertain. The 49ers, however, are preparing this week to face Roethlisberger. And they're expecting to see him at full strength, too."With Roethlisberger, you always have to defend two plays: the play they call in the huddle and then the play he creates after he doesn't like the initial play," 49ers defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said. "I would imagine that if he does play, his creativity will be down a little bit, but I really believe if he plays, that means he's ready to play."
The Steelers will not have the services of outside linebacker James Harrison, whose one-game suspension for an illegal helmet-to-helmet hit on Cleveland quarterback Colt McCoy was upheld on appeal earlier Friday. Safety Troy Polamalu, a six-time Pro Bowl selection, has not practiced this week due to a hamstring injury.Meanwhile, there was no change to the 49ers' injury report. Linebacker Patrick Willis (right hamstring) and left tackle Joe Staley (concussion) did not practice Friday for the 49ers. Willis has yet to run full speed since sustaining his injury Dec. 4 against the St. Louis Rams. Willis did not play Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals, and his status is looking doubtful for Monday night against the Steelers. Staley ran lightly on a side field on Friday.Receiver Braylon Edwards (knee) and fullback Bruce Miller (knee) went through limited work Friday afternoon during practice.49ERS PRACTICE REPORT
Did not participate: T Joe Staley (concussion), LB Patrick Willis (hamstring)
Limited participation: WR Braylon Edwards (knee), RB Bruce Miller (knee)STEELERS PRACTICE REPORT
Did not participate: LB Chris Carter (hamstring), S Troy Polamalu (hamstring), C Maurkice Pouncey (ankle), WR Emmanuel Sanders (foot)
Limited participation: WR Arnaz Battle (hamstring), CB Curtis Brown (knee), QB Ben Roethlisberger (ankle)
Full participation: T Marcus Gilbert (illness)