Concussion Gives Big Ben Headache, Swollen Noggin; Now Helmet Doesn't Fit

Quick refresher just in case you started following tackle football yesterday afternoon: during a meaningless Week 17 game against the Browns, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was tackled, concussed, and hauled off the field in the span of 15 minutes.

Trust me, it was much more dramatic than that 17-word description, and the incident led to the predictably lame arguments about playing starters in a game that doesn't matter, followed by legitimate concerns about Big Ben's health.

Turns out, Roethlisberger just had a concussion. (I say "just" not to trivialize a head injury, but to put it in perspective; Ben's facemask was removed, he was tied to a stretcher and driven off the field. Such precautions are usually reserved for serious injuries, although drama queening quarterbacks might now be an exception.)

And with the Steelers enjoying a first-round bye, Roethlisberger's been cleared to play this Sunday against the Chargers. One problem, though: his helmet doesn't fit. No, seriously, just read quite possibly the best lede ever written:

Ben Roethlisberger is dealing with a swollen head, an issue that has troubled many NFL quarterbacks. Only this time, it's not the result of too many commercial endorsements, a big contract or too much fan praise.

When the Steelers quarterback resumed practicing this week, he realized his helmet didn't fit right. He sustained a concussion Dec. 28 against Cleveland, and spent last week getting over headaches associated with the hit.

Roethlisberger added, "I had a little headache after putting the helmet on because it was so tight ... But we'll deal with it and move on."

And by "deal with it," I can only assume he means "have one of the equipment guys spray paint on a helmet just prior to kickoff." Jokes aside, a swollen noggin seems like a big deal. I'm sure the Steelers' medical staff is well aware of the issue; I mean, it's not like Roethlisberger's never been injured before (real or imagined).

But if worried Steelers fans are looking for a bright spot, here ya go: Big Ben showed up at a local bowl-o-rama and managed to avoid injury (although he did have trouble keeping his balance).* Whatever, here's to hoping he's able to squeeze that melon into a helmet come Sunday. Because according to head coach Mike Tomlin, Roethlisberger's playing.

* Despite the YouTube description, I have no way of verifying when this took place. Maybe it was Monday, but it could just as easily been the Monday after he was released from the hospital after head-butting the concrete back in '06.