Many fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers were likely wondering why Landry Jones was entering the game on the Steelers' final drive of the game and not Ben Roethlisberger. As was reported by the end of regulation, in the Steelers' 39-30 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, Roethlisberger was removed from the game to undergo the NFL's new concussion protocol.
When the hit occurred isn't clear, but Roethlisberger was hit in the head drawing a roughing the passer call in the fourth quarter, and was also hit hard on his last play from scrimmage when trying to scramble for a touchdown late in the 4th quarter. Whenever the hit, or a combination of multiple hits, took place isn't known, but what is being reported is Roethlisberger brought the report to the Steelers' medical staff.
Ben Roethlisberger self-reported his concussion, he had symptoms and that's when Steelers took him into concussion protocol.
— Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) November 30, 2015
That is according to Steelers spokesman Burt Lauten.
— Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) November 30, 2015
The fact Roethlisberger reported the concussion to the medical staff will likely ruffle some feathers with fans who want players to persevere through injuries such as concussions, but in today's day and age Roethlisberger did the right thing. With CTE becoming a common term in the sport of football, a player's post-career life has to be thought about when making the decision to "tough it out" or to remove themselves from the game.
The results of Roethlisberger's protocol were not known, but could hinder him from playing in Week 13 against the Indianapolis Colts, if it is deemed he did suffer a concussion. More information will certainly be brought to light soon, and BTSC will give that information to you as soon as it is available.