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On Thursday, the Pittsburgh media had a session with Steelers General Manager Kevin Colbert as he addressed several issues going into the 2020 NFL season. One of the most pressing questions was dealing with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and his injury.
More Colbert: 'We don't think Ben is near (where Rivers and Eli Manning are) yet. We don't think he's at the end of the road.'
— Bob Labriola (@BobLabriola) February 13, 2020
Whether or not the Steelers feel Ben Roethlisberger has more NFL games left in the tank, ultimately his elbow will be the biggest determining factor. Colbert addressed Rothlisberger‘s injury status as well.
Kevin Colbert confirms Ben Roethlisberger's Feb. 21 checkup date for his elbow. Says team's medical staff has been constantly working with Roethlisberger. "All signs are good at this point," for recovery. Said Roethlisberger could be better than he was a year ago #Steelers #dkps
— Dale Lolley (@dlolley_pgh) February 13, 2020
As for a plan if Rothlisberger is unable to play in 2020, the Steelers are continuing to roll with the quarterbacks they currently have on the roster. Given their salary cap situation, it’s not exactly feasible for the Steelers to spend any more money that they do not have in order to sure up the position.
Colbert on QBs behind Ben: 'We know who are backups are. We're comfortable with who our backups are. We're comfortable with those four guys (Rudolph, Hodges, Paxton Lynch, J.T. Barrett) entering camp.'
— Bob Labriola (@BobLabriola) February 13, 2020
Colbert was also asked about the Ryan Shazier situation and his status moving forward with the Steelers. Not currently under contract, how the Steelers deal with Shazier has yet to be determined.
#Steelers GM Kevin Colbert on Ryan Shazier's status for 2020: 'When you're dealing with Ryan you're not dealing with a timetable. You're dealing with a guy trying to resurrect his career.'
— Bob Labriola (@BobLabriola) February 13, 2020
Colbert was also asked about his new contract he just signed last week and his future in Pittsburgh.
GM Kevin Colbert on his contract status: 'I can say this without any hesitation: as long as the Rooneys and Pittsburgh Steelers want me to be a part of this organization and it’s a good thing for our family, we’ll be here. I’m not looking to go anywhere else.'
— Bob Labriola (@BobLabriola) February 13, 2020
As for the 2020 season as a whole, Colbert addressed the confidence the Steelers have going into next year.
Steelers GM Kevin Colbert: "We’re all disappointed at 8-8, but I feel better moving into 2020 than I did moving into 2019 coming off of 9-6-1."
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) February 13, 2020
Colbert was also asked about the Steelers coaching staff, specifically when it comes to the Steelers and their wide receivers coaching position.
Asked Kevin Colbert about an update to the wide receiver coach search. He didn't have an update:
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) February 13, 2020
"Coach (Mike Tomlin) manages that. He’s still in that process."
While Colbert was able to shed some light on a few topics, there are still many questions that remain in Pittsburgh for the 2020 season. Some things are best to keep under wraps while others are very helpful to know moving forward. Most importantly, the team is very optimistic about Ben Roethlisberger‘s recovery and they are looking forward to an improved 2020 season.