The Pittsburgh Steelers endured the nightmare of every NFL team that has clinched its playoff positioning: watching a star player go down with an injury.

Pittsburgh seems to have escaped the worst-case scenario, as quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is expected to be ready for the postseason after sustaining a concussion in yesterday's rout of the Cleveland Browns.

Roethlisberger was driven into the ground by two defenders late in the second quarter of an essentially meaningless game.

As Roethlisberger delivered a pass, he was leveled by Willie McGinest at about shoulder level and D'Qwell Jackson at the quarterback's knees. Roethlisberger's head struck the ground hard.

Roethlisberger moved his arms and legs, and was talking before being placed onto a stretcher and then onto a cart that took him off the field.

"All tests are negative — which is a positive," Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. "We are optimistic of where he is going to be (in the playoffs). The bye is going to be helpful in regards to that."

The Steelers, already locked into the No. 2 spot in the AFC playoffs, could not improve their playoff position by beating the Browns.

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Browns: Phil Savage is out as general manager of Cleveland after four seasons, a person with knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press last night. It is unclear whether Savage resigned or was fired by owner Randy Lerner. The Browns finished 4-12.

Also, Romeo Crennel will meet with Lerner today, heightening the likelihood the Browns coach will be fired.

Buccaneers: Tampa Bay running back Carnell "Cadillac" Williams was helped from the field with a knee injury during the fourth quarter of a loss to Oakland. Williams, who missed the first 10 games of the season after being sidelined more than a year with a career-threatening injury to his right knee, immediately grabbed his left knee when he was tackled.

Jets: New York quarterback Brett Favre will have an MRI exam today on his ailing right shoulder, saying it would affect his decision on whether he'll come back for another season with New York. The 39-year-old struggled down the stretch in his first season with the Jets.

HAWAI'I PLAYERS IN NFL

Detroit defensive end Ikaika Alama-Francis (Kalaheo/UH) had 2 solo tackles in a loss to Green Bay.

Miami receiver Davone Bess (UH) made 6 catches for 39 yards, including a long of 13, and also had 2 punt returns for an average of 12.5 yards, including a long of 16.

Atlanta kicker Jason Elam (UH) made his only FG attempt — from 39 yards — and 4 of 4 conversion attempts in a victory over Atlanta.

Buffalo linebacker Kawika Mitchell (born in Honolulu) had 4 solo tackles in a loss to New England.

San Francisco defensive tackle Isa'ako Sopoaga (UH) made 4 tackles, including 3 solo, in a victory over Washington.

St. Louis linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa (UH) had 3 solo tackles in a loss to Atlanta.