According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will have season-ending surgery on his right elbow.
In a statement to the media on Monday, head coach Mike Tomlin broke the news stating the veteran quarterback will undergo season-ending surgery on the right elbow later this week.
Roethlisberger was injured late in the second quarter of Sunday’s game and was seen grabbing at his right elbow and grimacing in pain after attempting a pass in the team’s final drive of the half.
There is no timetable for Roethlisberger’s recovery and it is unsure of when the quarterback will return to playing football.
Roethlisberger, 37, is currently in his 15th season as a member of the Steelers. He is currently the franchise’s all-time passing yards leader and touchdown leader, including two Super Bowl victories.
Given the severity of the injury and age of Roethlisberger, it sounds like this is an injury that will require a lot of recover time, even before Big Ben is able to throw a football and return to NFL action.
What’s next for Pittsburgh?
For the foreseeable future, back-up quarterback Mason Rudolph, a third-round selection in 2018, will be tasked as the new starter for the Steelers, looking to dig the team out from an 0-2 start.
Rudolph, in his first career appearance, almost engineered a late fourth quarter comeback against the Seahawks. Rudolph completed 12 of 19 passes for 112 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.
Rudolph looked sharp in his abbreviated start vs. Seattle and is looking to carry that momentum from the hard-fought loss into Week 3 against the undefeated San Francisco 49ers.
Many people surrounding the Steelers organization believe the magnitude of Roethlisberger’s right elbow injury could be so severe that it could potentially be career-ending for the six-time Pro Bowl quarterback.
Could this be a potential tryout for Rudolph as the next Steelers’ franchise quarterback?
Photo credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
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