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The Pittsburgh Steelers don’t need to see Ben Roethlisberger on the field anytime soon. After all, the 15-year veteran doesn’t need to play in Weeks 1, 2, 3 or even 4 of the preseason if he didn’t feel the need to, but when Roethlisberger went down at practice Tuesday and entered the NFL’s concussion protocol — fans were concerned.
Not just concerned for the quarterback’s ability to play, but concerned for the man who has had his share of head injuries throughout his career.
While the Steelers, rightfully so, have been quiet on Roethlisberger’s overall status, there was some good news which hit Twitter late Wednesday night. KDKA’s Bob Pompeani had footage of Roethlisberger entering the team’s hotel lobby with head coach Mike Tomlin, and The Athletic’s Mark Kaboly said a source told him Roethlisberger was ‘OK’.
RT @KDPomp: Mike Tomlin and Ben Roethlisberger arrive in Green Bay. #Steelers at #Packers Thursday on @KDKA Coverage begins at 7:30 pic.twitter.com/kJQkqFE3el
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) August 16, 2018
Was told Ben Roethlisberger is “OK.” He made flight to Green Bay with team according to @KDPomp furthering the notion that he’s indeed “OK.” Likely doctors wouldn’t have let him fly if he was having concussion symptoms. All around good news for Steelers. @TheAthleticPGH
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) August 15, 2018
As stated by Kaboly, it’s highly unlikely Roethlisberger would be permitted to fly with the team if he were experiencing concussion symptoms of any kind. While this is speculation, the protocol for the NFL and all the way down to high school football, is very clear when it comes to recovery from concussions.
The fact remains that Roethlisberger, though being evaluated for a concussion, might have been evaluated and deemed not to have suffered any brain trauma. Either way, it’s good to see Roethlisberger with the team. The hope is he’ll be more than healthy when the team hosts the Tennessee Titans at Heinz Field in the Week-3 preseason game — the next-to-last dress-rehearsal and opportunity to knock off rust before the games really start to count in September.