PITTSBURGH -- Now that retirement buzz has fizzled and the Pittsburgh Steelers' football plans are crystallizing in training camp, Ben Roethlisberger has produced a three-week sample of throws, handoffs and team interactions.

When general manager Kevin Colbert watches his quarterback every day, he isn't concerned with physical skills. Those aren't -- and never have been -- a question mark, though every player battles physical decline eventually. Colbert said he evaluates Roethlisberger's "competitive levels," something he does for many players.

He quickly got confirmation that Roethlisberger, despite a public flirtation with retirement in the offseason, is keeping the fire blazing.