Ben Roethlisberger issues an apology to a former teammate. Ben Cherington addresses trade conversations about Paul Skenes. Gerrit Cole gives a health update.

Plus, the Pittsburgh Steelers are getting a different CBS broadcast team this week.

All that in Wednesday’s “First Call.”

My bad

Former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger began this week’s episode of his “Footbahlin’” podcast by apologizing to former center Kendrick Green.

On his previous episode, Roethlisberger joked about how Aaron Rodgers walked into a situation with DK Metcalf as his top receiver, while, in his last season, he “got a center that never played center before.”

Green caught wind of the comment and replied on social media.

Damn talk about catching stays jeez Louise lol https://t.co/kZ7ZVkFCc4

— Kendrick J. Green (@The_fridge53) November 5, 2025

Roethlisberger is now saying that he reached out to Green. They have spoken, and he has apologized.

“That was by no way, shape, form, means a knock at Kendrick. I imagine that it came across that way, and I heard that he took it that way. I have reached out to him. He and I have talked. I apologize to him if it came across that way,” Roethlisberger said. “It was more of a knock on the Steelers — the fact that they were giving Aaron some weapons. But what happened to Kendrick was unfair. I need to put that out there. What they did to him was unfair in the sense that they brought a guy (who) was a very good college offensive lineman and asked him to play a position (that wasn’t his natural position) in the NFL.”

Roethlisberger wanted to emphasize that Green worked as hard as he could to learn the position under difficult circumstances.

“I honestly believe that Kendrick did everything he could. He gave his all to this team, to protecting me. He put extra effort, and he put the time and effort into being great,” Roethlisberger continued. “K.G., I applaud you, and I appreciate your heart and your energy and everything you did.”

Green lasted three years in Pittsburgh from 2021-23. He then went to Houston for two seasons and is now a practice squad member of the Buffalo Bills.

Not going anywhere

Speaking at the Major League Baseball general managers meetings, Pirates GM Ben Cherington reiterated that the franchise will not trade ace right-hander Paul Skenes this offseason.

That’s according to Jorge Castillo of ESPN.com.

“The question gets asked, and it’s always respectful,” Cherington said. “Teams have to ask the question. I suspect that won’t end. But the answer’s been consistent.”

Based on how Castillo framed the story, that answer must mean that Skenes is staying in Pittsburgh.

At least to start this season. He hits arbitration in 2027.

Cherington also told ESPN.com that “with more payroll ‘flexibility’ to acquire talent this winter,” he wants to improve an offense that ranked last in the majors in runs scored.

“We believe our pitching is a strength,” Cherington said. “Doesn’t mean we wouldn’t want to add more pitching. We will certainly be opportunistic on the pitching side. There are some things that we’d like to do on the pitching side, but run scoring was the thing that got in our way more than anything. And we’ve got to add to that.”

Cherington also dismissed an NJ.com story that says Skenes is privately telling teammates he wants to be a New York Yankee.

“I do dismiss it, but I understand it,” the Pirates executive said Wednesday. “What we’re going to focus on is just how do we win games with him in a Pirates uniform.

“I have a ton of respect for the Yankees, but we’ll just focus on what we need to do.”

Cherington insisted that playing better baseball will encourage Skenes to remain in Pittsburgh.

“He’s going to be a Pirate in 2026,” Cherington stated via the New York Post. “That probably gives us the best chance to keep him in Pittsburgh for longer, winning games.”

More sports

• Pitt striving to block out the 'hoopla,' hype of upcoming showdown with Notre Dame • Tim Benz: 1st test of Aaron Rodgers' harmony in Pittsburgh is underway • Steelers sign veteran CB Asante Samuel Jr. to practice squad

Since we brought them up

On the topic of pitchers and the Yankees, Gerrit Cole is unsure if he’ll be ready for opening day. The former Pirates All-Star told the New York Post on Monday.

Cole had Tommy John surgery in March. As the Post’s story noted, that puts him on pace to likely rejoin the rotation in May or June.

“They mentioned that opening day is probably out of the picture, and that seems to make the most sense at this point,” Cole said of conversations with his team. “But when, afterward? I’m not exactly sure. Hopefully, as soon as possible.”

Cole appeared in two spring training games last year before needing the surgery. The 35-year-old claims to be “feeling well” and is expected to throw a few more bullpen sessions before taking some time off around the holidays.

On the call

The CBS broadcast team for the Steelers-Bengals game has been revealed. And it’s not Ian Eagle, J.J. Watt and Evan Washburn.

That’s a first for this year. Via SteelersNow.com, they have called Steelers games all four times this season that they have been on CBS. The Steelers have won all four. Those were victories against the Jets, Patriots, Browns and Colts.

Instead, this week, the game at Acrisure Stadium will be called by Kevin Harlan, Trent Green and Melanie Collins. Eagle, Watt and Washburn have the Bucs-Bills game in Buffalo.

Game Announcers for Week 11 of the @NFLonCBS

Plus, THE NFL TODAY will be on-site in Denver as the Broncos host the Chiefs in an AFC West showdown at 4:25 ET ???? pic.twitter.com/IbunVFq5LW

— CBS Sports PR (@CBSSportsGang) November 10, 2025

Next week’s contest at Chicago (1 p.m.) is a CBS broadcast as well.

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