Roethlisberger ready for action

Roethlisberger said he came close to dying after the accident

Ben Roethlisberger, who suffered serious facial injuries in a motorcycle crash two months ago, will start for Pittsburgh in their pre-season opener.

The 23-year-old became the youngest quarterback to win the Super Bowl when the Steelers beat Seattle in February.

There were doubts he would recover in time for Sunday's exhibition game against Arizona after his accident.

But Steelers coach Bill Cowher said: "I like where Ben's at right now. He's had a good camp and looks ready to go."

Roethlisberger, who has not missed a workout, underwent surgery for multiple facial fractures, a broken upper and lower jaw and broken nose.

He also suffered a mild concussion, lost two teeth and chipped several more.

Roethlisberger completed 9-of-21 passes for 123 yards and ran for a touchdown in the Steelers' 21-10 victory over Seattle in Super Bowl XL.

The Steelers open the regular season against Miami on 7 September in the opening game of the NFL campaign.