After tying the Cleveland Browns in Week 1, the Pittsburgh Steelers could find themselves without their starting quarterback for a Week 2 showdown against Kansas City.

That’s because Ben Roethlisberger has been dealing with an injured elbow this year and may not be ready to start on Sunday afternoon.

If that’s the case, the Steelers will turn to former Tennessee QB Josh Dobbs, who has been practicing with the first team all week. On Thursday, Dobbs said he’ll be ready for whatever his role ends up being on Sunday (via Steelers.com):

“I know if my opportunity comes and my number’s called to be ready to go in and play and play to win and compete at the highest level,” Dobbs said after practice today. “And if I’m on the sideline again, helping Ben, seeing as much as I can see and helping him in whatever I can.

“It could go either way. You just have to be ready for both situations.”

The start, if it comes to that, would be the first of Dobbs’s NFL career. He said it’s important not to get caught up in the excitement, though:

“At the end of the day it’s still football,” he said. “Obviously, you’re in the NFL at a different level. But I’ve been here for a year, a year and a half. I kinda have the lay of the land. I’ve been seeing a lot of looks in practice and in (preseason) games.

“I wouldn’t say there’s a challenge. It’s just excitement with the opportunity that’s in front of you to go out and make the most of it.”

Roethlisberger may end up starting anyway, but Dobbs will certainly be ready if his number is called.