Ben Roethlisberger eclipses Johnny Unitas on passing list; Montana next

PITTSBURGH -- Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger just eclipsed an NFL legend in career passing yardage, and he's quickly closing in on another.

Roethlisberger, who entered Sunday's game against Oakland with 40,231 career passing yards, surpassed Johnny Unitas for 15th all time with a 33-yard pass to DeAngelo Williams on the game's first drive. Unitas has 40,239 career passing yards.

The next target for Roethlisberger is Joe Montana, who has 40,551 career yards. Surpassing both would place Roethlisberger directly behind Kerry Collins (40,922).

In his first four games this season, Roethlisberger completed 95 of 134 passes for 1,174 yards, five touchdowns and five interceptions. Raiders coach Jack Del Rio called Roethlisberger an "all-week emphasis" in this week's game plan.

Roethlisberger planned to continue wearing a knee brace after missing four weeks with an MCL sprain and bone bruise.