Ben Roethlisberger Discusses Steelers' Rash of Injuries

The Pittsburgh Steelers have dealt with a high number of injuries this season, but that might not all be bad luck.

In a radio interview on 93.7 The Fan Tuesday, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger noted the intense practices could be leading to some of the issues.

"We have a lot of injuries," Roethlisberger said, via Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "I think a lot of our stuff stems from we're one of the most physical football teams in training camp, in practice, you know. We do more hitting than most teams do and more [practices in] pads."

Pittsburgh has eight players on injured reserve, including linebacker Bud Dupree and offensive tackle Ryan Harris.

Some of the short-term injuries have added up as well. According to Pittsburgh's injury report, eight players missed Wednesday's practice, including projected starters Ryan Shazier, Sammie Coates, Markus Wheaton, Marcus Gilbert and Cameron Heyward.

The offensive line has especially featured plenty of reshuffling due to injuries to both starters and backups.

"I think sometimes it takes a toll on some guys, you know, hamstrings and quads and guys reinjuring things," Roethlisberger said of the practices.

Roethlisberger has had his own injury problems over the years as well, missing four games in 2015 and only playing a full 16-game season three times in his 12-year career.

While things might not necessarily change, head coach Mike Tomlin is apparently listening to the concerns, per Jacob Klinger of PennLive.com:

Despite the injuries, Pittsburgh is 4-1 on the season heading into its upcoming matchup at the Miami Dolphins.