Ben Roethlisberger Injury: Updates on Steelers Star's Knee and Return

Tim DanielsSep 27, 2015

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger suffered an MCL injury and bone bruise after having his left knee rolled up during a sack against the St. Louis Rams in Week 3. He has finally returned to the lineup.

Continue for updates.

Roethlisberger Active for Week 8

Sunday, Nov. 1

The Steelers did not list Roethlisberger among the inactives for the team's game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Latest on Roethlisberger's Practice Status Ahead of Week 8

Thursday, Oct. 29

The Steelers noted Roethlisberger was listed a full participant ahead of the team's game against the Bengals.

Roethlisberger Comments on Week 8, Preparing to Play

Wednesday, Oct. 28

"We have to take it one day at a time," Roethlisberger said, per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, in regard to Week 8. "That’s why I’m not getting my hopes up Sunday. I’m getting my hopes up for today.”

Roethlisberger commented on the injury and how he will prepare to play, per Teresa Varley of Steelers.com on Oct. 21:

"
I can deal with pain. Adrenaline helps with that a lot. The stability, we have a great training staff and doctors. We have about six different knee braces to try. John Norwig is going to tape it too. Today is going to be a trial and error type of thing. I have no idea what it is like to run, move, and get hit in the leg. I am not really sure yet.
"

"I'm able to walk around just fine and step and throw," Roethlisberger said Oct. 14, via Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com. "It's being able to avoid a pass rush," he added regarding when he'd be ready to return.

Tomlin Comments on Roethlisberger Ahead of Week 8

Tuesday, Oct. 27

"We're comfortable with where he is in regards to his availability for Sunday," head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters.

Tomlin added that while the plan is for Roethlisberger to play, the team will "continue to monitor" his injured knee. Despite the close eye Pittsburgh is keeping on the quarterback, Tomlin noted the team has "no reservations or limitations" on Roethlisberger.

How Roethlisberger's Return Impacts Steelers

Big Ben remains a vital piece of the Steelers offense in his 12th season. He's been mostly healthy throughout his career, never missing more than four games in a campaign since being drafted 11th overall in 2004. That includes the last two years, during which he played in every regular-season game.

While that type of durability is great, it does make the transition difficult if the player misses time. The Steelers offense went through some pains without Roethlisberger in the lineup.

Veteran Mike Vick took over under center after the injury and completed 40 of 66 passes for 371 yards along with two touchdowns and one interception. Vick injured his hamstring in Week 6, forcing Landry Jones into the role against Kansas City.

Given the team's injury issues at the quarterback position, Roethlisberger's return will be a welcome sight for the Steelers.