A near-death experience could not keep Ben Roethlisberger from missing the Steelers' season opener. His appendix will. A sudden ailment leaves the NFL's season opener on Thursday without its biggest star, and forces the Steelers to turn to Charlie Batch in their first meaningful game since winning the Super Bowl as they try to spoil Daunte Culpepper's debut with the Dolphins. "This is the situation we are being dealt and we are not asking for any pity nor are we going to make any excuses," Pittsburgh coach Bill Cowher said after learning Roethlisberger would miss at least one game after needing an emergency appendectomy Sunday.