Ben Roethlisberger has been suspended by the NFL for the first six games of the season for being linked to multiple sexual assualts, but the quarterback returned to the Steelers practice field Tuesday.  Roethlisberger took the field with his teammates but would not talk to the media, a Steelers spokesman told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Coach Mike Tomlin was also unavailable for comment because he had an appointment very conveniently scheduled immediately after practice.

PFT has another disturbing tidbit:

Footage from this morning that aired on ESPN showed Roethlisberger stretching and chatting with offensive tackle Willie Colon, who was with Roethlisberger on the night in Milledgeville, Georgia, when Roethlisberger was accused of sexual assault.

Roethlisberger last practiced with the team on April 20, the day before he was suspended and ordered to undergo a behavioral evaluation.  Roethlisberger is allowed to participate in training camp and the preseason before serving his suspension at the start of the regular season.

Quarterback Byron Leftwich, the front-runner to start in Roethlisberger’s absence, wasn’t there Tuesday as he had a previous commitment — perhaps avoiding some awkwardness.  Leftwich was previously with the Steeelers in 2008 and played in five games.  Leftwich spent 2009 in Tampa.