Steelers third-string QB Charlie Batch will be under center against the Ravens as Big Ben Roethlisberger sits out again. (US Presswire)

The Steelers’ AFC North collision with Baltimore will be Charlie Batch’s game at quarterback, with Ben Roethlisberger -- highly limited for the past full week of practice – pinned to the sidelines in sweats and ruled out again Sunday.

And Batch will be working behind an offensive line that once more will be patchwork at best.

Not the best situation at such a playoff-critical time, huh?

Willie Colon’s availability as the starting left guard will remain in limbo possibly until kick-off because of a nettlesome knee that has swelled off and on the past week, causing him to miss the 20-14 loss last Sunday in Cleveland. Colon worked in Friday’s practice, for the first time this week – though he shared the spot with Pro Bowl center Maurkice Pouncey and was listed in the injury report as questionable for Sunday. With Colon at left guard, Pouncey aligns at his customary center. Sans Colon, Pouncey practiced much of the week and part of Friday at left guard with backup Doug Legursky – who started in Colon’s place last Sunday – at his more natural center.

Asked what will happen with Pittsburgh’s patch-and-plaster line come game-time at Baltimore, Pouncey smiled and remarked: “I don’t know, I couldn’t even answer that. If I did, I’d go play the Lotto right now.

“Yeah, I have confidence” at guard, continued Pouncey, who played there at Florida. “I’m an offensive lineman. . . . I’m pretty sure [coaches] will pull me a few times and see how I do out there.”

“No matter who’s in there, we’ll adjust to it,” said right guard Ramon Foster, who will align for the first time this season next to rookie Kelvin Beachum, drafted in the seventh round last April as a center. If as expected Beachum makes his first NFL start Sunday, he will mark the third different starter at right tackle in an eight-game span, after Marcus Gilbert on injured reserve and second-round choice Mike Adams, both due to ankle injuries.

“We’re still calling all the same plays,” Pouncey said of the offense under Batch and behind such a line. “I don’t think it’ll change one bit.” The difference from last week’s eight-turnover loss, he added: “We got to hold onto the ball.”

Pro Bowlers return: Perennial Pro Bowl safety Troy Polamalu made it through an entire week of practice for the first time since the fourth game of the season, when he lasted 19 snaps against Philadelphia. He has played 1½ of the 11 games to date. His return from a vexing calf injury should have a noticeable difference on a defense that still will miss one key starter – outside linebacker LaMarr Woodley was ruled out due to an ankle injury and will give way to backup Jason Worilds Sunday.

Pro Bowl returner-receiver Antonio Brown practiced all week after missing three games due to a high ankle sprain, and the offense will get some small boost in the passing game from his comeback. However, Brown admitted after Friday’s practice that he wasn’t 100 percent.

“Yeah, I'm definitely sore, definitely feeling it right now,” Brown said. “But you've got to persevere and get there and take care of myself and finish it.

“I just bring excited energy. I bring positive energy. Hopefully, it's energy that will get the group going. That's what I'm looking forward to doing. Got to make plays no matter where the ball's thrown. No matter the circumstances, we've got to come through and be reliable and provide a spark when the opportunities are presented.”

Injury report: Roethlisberger, Woodley, backup quarterback Byron Leftwich (ribs) and previous starting right tackle Mike Adams (ankle) were listed Friday afternoon as out. Colon and No. 4 wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery (ribs), though both practiced Friday, though were considered limited.

For the record, Roethlisberger was listed as being a limited participant in Friday’s practice.

Follow Dale Grdnic on Twitter for real-time Steelers' updates @CBSSteelers.