Pittsburgh ? This is what Ben Roethlisberger and coach Bill Cowher were looking for: a normal day of practice for the quarterback.

Roethlisberger, four days removed from a concussion caused by a painful helmet-to-helmet hit in Atlanta, took most of the snaps with the Pittsburgh Steelers’ starting offense Thursday and looked ready to play Sunday in Oakland.

“I’m very encouraged by how he feels,” Cowher said.

Roethlisberger, jolted by the jaw-jamming hit he received from Falcons defensive end Chauncey Davis, was knocked out for a few minutes during the third quarter and forced to leave the Steelers’ 41-38 overtime loss.

Cowher said a final decision on the QB’s status wouldn’t be made until game time Sunday, mostly because Roethlisberger still must pass more of the post-concussion tests he takes daily. He has passed all tests so far, but any recurring symptoms or setbacks would cause him to sit out.