Ben Roethlisberger addresses injury concerns in press conference
On Sunday morning, CBS Sports Jason LaConfora published a piece stating that sources within the Steelers organization are concerned about an injury to Big Ben’s knee.
LaConfora wrote:
“Ben Roethlisberger’s knee injury, which flared up a few weeks back, has become a source of greater concern within the Steelers organization, sources said, further limiting the quarterback’s mobility at a time when Pittsburgh is throwing the ball at an alarming rate.”
In the Week 9 win over the Dallas Cowboys, Big Ben got whiplashed between two defenders, taken to the ground, and grabbed his right knee, then left knee. He closed the drive with a score before heading to the locker room, came out in the second half with his knees wrapped, and led the Steelers to a comeback win.
Roethlisberger went on the Reserve/COVID-19 list after contact tracing deemed him a close contact to tight end Vance McDonald. He had a week of respite from practice, followed by a season-best performance of 333 yards and four touchdowns versus the Cincinnati Bengals.
According to the man himself, father time is the only issue with Ben’s knees.
“I would love to know where [the report] came from,” said Roethlisberger. “Other than having an old knee and arthritis, my knee feels really good…That report, to me, is one of those phony things people sometimes want to make up.”
In the press conference recapping the Dallas game, head coach Mike Tomlin shot down any concerns with his quarterback’s knees. “He’s gotten all the proper rehabilitation that he needs through the course of the week. To be honest with you, his knees weren’t an issue at all anyway.”
It was enough of a concern to keep him out of practice in the week leading up to their first loss of the season versus the Washington Football Team. According to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Roethlisberger received treatment for an injured knee, which designated him as questionable for Week 13.
As far as his surgically-repaired elbow, Ben says it’s fine. “Typically, this
time of year, my elbow would be getting worn down, and I don’t feel that right now, so I’m very encouraged by that.”
It’s Week 15 in a season where the Steelers have been going non-stop without a bye week. It should be no surprise that Pittsburgh’s 38-year-old signal-caller is banged up — every player is.
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