Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger out of walking boot

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who was expected to be in a walking boot all week, is out of the boot and "progressing ahead of schedule," a source told ESPN on Thursday.

Roethlisberger, who is recovering from a sprained left foot, is still unlikely to play Sunday against the Cleveland Browns despite the quarterback's claims earlier this week that he refused to rule himself out.

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said the team was preparing Landry Jones to start while leaving the door "slightly ajar" for Roethlisberger, who said Thursday that he'd try to practice in a limited capacity.

The Steelers have a bye in Week 11.