Ben Roethlisberger had knee surgery, according to Mike Tomlin

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger had knee surgery, according to head coach Mike Tomlin.

“Earlier today, Ben had minor surgery on his right knee that was the result of slight discomfort this offseason. We advised him to get the surgery done to ensure he will be completely healthy for the start of training camp. This surgery will have no long-term effects on his health.”

NFL Network's Albert Breer reported more:

More on Roethlisberger: Had arthroscopic surgery to clean up menisicus damage in his right knee. Had same surgery to left knee 7 years ago.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) June 5, 2013

... The rehab timetable for this surgery is generally around 4-6 weeks. Goal for Steelers in doing it now was to have Ben ready for camp.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) June 5, 2013

Roethlisberger is coming off an injury-plagued 2012 season, when a sprained SC joint - a rare injury - sidelined him for half of the Steelers' Week 10 win against Kansas City and kept him out of Weeks 11-13. The Steelers won once in those three games. Upon his return, he wasn't nearly the same player he was earlier in the year. Late-game interceptions against Dallas and Cincinnati led to two losses, and the Setelers, who were 6-3 after beating the Chiefs, fell to 8-8, missing the playoffs for only the second time since 2007.