The Pittsburgh Steelers have won five of their last six games to vault themselves into playoff contention in the AFC, which comes as a surprise to many given how horrific they looked during their 0-3 start.

Of course, this run has come without Ben Roethlisberger, who was ruled out for the season after Week 2 due to an elbow issue.

Now, the Steelers are getting set to take on the Cleveland Browns in an AFC North clash on Thursday night, and Roethlisberger says he misses taking part in these crucial divisional battles:

“AFC North football is always fun,” he said, according to Ron Cook of The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “Cleveland. A short week. I’m jealous of the guys going over there.”

Mason Rudolph has been filling in admirably for Roethlisberger, but you can't help but think of what could have been for Pittsburgh had their starting quarterback been able to remain healthy.

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“It’s really hard not being out there. I want to be a part of it,” added Roethlisberger. “Being hurt is still setting in for me. I’m still feeling like I’m going to come back [this season]. It hurts that I’m not.”

But could the Steelers seriously make the postseason without Big Ben under center?

Fortunately, they have a fairly manageable schedule the rest of the way, as five of their final seven games will come against ball clubs that currently have losing records.

Thursday's game against the Browns will also mark the first of three straight AFC North matchups for Pittsburgh, as it will face the Cincinnati Bengals next Sunday before taking on Cleveland again on Dec. 1.