I'm convinced Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is most comfortable when he's battling any number of ailments. Early in the season it was a bum shoulder, than a bruised hand, not to mention the 25 or so hits he'd take every game. After a rough stretch last month, lowlighted by a three-pick, "I'm definitely the reason we lost that one" performance against the Colts, Big Ben had back-to-back strong performances against the Bengals and the Patriots. Today, as the 9-3 Steelers prepared for Sunday's matchup with the Cowboys, Roethlisberger tweaked his knee and had to leave practice early.
According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Ed Bouchette, Big Ben "slipped and slightly injured his right knee while throwing a pass." I'd hasten to add that Roethlisberger thinks he'll be fine for this weekend's game, which must sadden the non-trivial subset of fans who'd love nothing more than to see backup Byron Leftwich get the job.
Not likely, but I can offer this: Leftwich ran the first-team offense for the final 20 minutes of practice today, so there's that.
Roethlisberger said afterward that he slipped in the mud in the middle of the Steelers outdoor, grass practice field. He does not think his knee is seriously hurt.Steelers chairman Dan Rooney has resisted the annual calls to install FieldTurf at Heinz Field. If anything could change his mind, I'm guessing it's watching the $100 million face of the franchise go down in a heap because of poor footing.
Coach Mike Tomlin prefers to practice outdoors when possible, especially when the Steelers have a home game. They also have an indoor practice field with artificial turf available to them.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
12-03-2008 @ 7:21PM
ed said...
while fieldturf might be the answer for better traction, let's not forget the rams game last year when FWP broke his leg on his first carry of the afternoon.
slipping in mud is much much much better than getting your cleats stuck in fieldturf while the knee spins (and snaps) in a different direction.
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12-03-2008 @ 11:00PM
Tyler said...
thost problems with turf have been, for the most part, corrected. the joke that is heinz field compromises the integrity of the game because of poor field conditions. yes, there might be a few less injuries but there are also significantly less points because the best athletes in the world are slogging around in the mud. to sum up my point....heinz field sucks
12-04-2008 @ 2:57PM
Lance Williams said...
Show Topics:
While I prepare for the Cowboys Breakdown, peep an interview I did with Max Starks.
1. Max Starks Interview
Remember to Check out 5AE # 93 with Jim Wexell : http://media.libsyn.com/media/wtcb/5AE_93.mp3
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12-04-2008 @ 12:01AM
Thundering Herd Steeler Fan said...
I don't wanna see Ben hurt. But I'd love to get up by enough points on the Cowboys to see former Marshall standout Byron get in there for a bit.
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12-04-2008 @ 6:31AM
Thatsabsurd said...
Is this preparatory hype because Ben is due to play like Ben----lousy?
Three decent games not a bad streak for Ben (even though he did throw that interception before he threw a touchdown) but he's due for his normal crappy play. Interception after interception, sack after sack.
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12-04-2008 @ 10:22AM
Luz said...
Yup, it's all a big conspiracy between the media and the Steelers to cover for Roethlisberger if he has a bad game. I hear they have already developed technology to hypnotize fans into thinking Roethlisberger is a great quarterback.
That's why I haven't taken off my tin foil hat in years. I'm sure you are also wearing yours.
12-05-2008 @ 8:34AM
al said...
sit Ben ass down, this is no time to play hero and play hurt. put leftwich in and let him show off his game
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12-07-2008 @ 8:14AM
Thatsabsurd said...
Today is the day!!!!!!!
I have been very kind to Mr Rothlisberger the past few weeks, if he can play (like an NFL level QB) today I may even be slightly impressed.
But I have a feeling that Ben will play his typical poor way.
Stats are great------------performance is everything.
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12-09-2008 @ 12:23PM
steelers4life said...
THAT WHY ITS TEAM GAME,THE WORD IS TEAM,THEY PLAY LIKE A TEAM,AND FOR WHAT EVER ERASON THEN THEY PLAY AS A TEAM AND WIN,THERE IS NO (I) IN THE WORD TEAM,SORRY BUT YOUR COMMENTS HAVE GOT TO GO,BEN IS PROBALY HURT BUT IS TO MAN TO COMPLAIN,NOT LIKE YOU,AND WHY DONT YOU LET ALL OF US WHO YOUR TEAM IS ?I SURE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW,AS ALL OF US WOULD LIKE