Steelers News: Per Art Rooney II, things are “so far so good” for Ben Roethlisberger’s rehab

The Pittsburgh Steelers 2019 season is officially over. After finishing the year 8-8, the Steelers, and their vast fan base, has another long offseason awaiting them. Just because the games are done doesn’t mean we stop providing you with features, commentary and opinions to tide you over throughout the offseason!

Today in the black-and-gold links article we take a look at how early indications, per Art Rooney II, show Ben Roethlisberger’s elbow injury is healing nicely.

Let’s get to the news:

• Ben Roethlisberger is a big part of the Steelers’ overall plans for the next two seasons, and it was good to hear Art Rooney II tell fans the team is pleased with Roethlisberger’s rehab so far.

Steelers’ Art Rooney II on Ben Roethlisberger’s progress: ‘So far, so good’

By: Joe Rutter, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Art Rooney II is optimistic about a healthy Ben Roethlisberger returning to form in 2020, and he is hoping the Pittsburgh Steelers will complement their franchise quarterback with a strong running game next season.

The Steelers president addressed Roethlisberger, the running game and other topics during a 20-minute conference call Wednesday with fans.

Roethlisberger, who will turn 38 in March, was limited to six quarters because of an elbow injury that required season-ending surgery. He is scheduled for a medical exam in February that will determine when he can begin a throwing regimen.

“So far, so good as far as Ben’s progress,” Rooney II said. “He’s still early in his rehab situation, but all reports we’re getting have been positive. We’re really looking for him to improve as we work into the spring here.”

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

• Let’s be honest, there were more excuses than apologies...

Antonio Brown apologizes to Steelers, while making excuses in rare Pittsburgh radio interview

By: Tim Benz, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

In an interview that was as inconsistent and wandering as his behavior for the past 14 months, Antonio Brown made his first live radio appearance in Pittsburgh since his football career came off the rails.

Brown appeared on “The Fan Morning Show” on 93.7 FM Thursday morning. In a 22-minute conversation, Brown alternated between a guy who sounded like he was trying to turn over a new leaf and one who was denying responsibility for his actions, carrying grudges, and lashing out at those who he felt disrespected him.

At times in the interview, the former Steelers All-Pro admitted that he needs to handle situations better, needs to be more positive, apologized to Ben Roethlisberger, Art Rooney II, Mike Tomlin and the Steelers, and said he “missed the ’Burgh.”

He also embraced the idea of strengthening mental health access and mentioned positive conversations with his therapist.

Then, at other times, the out-of-work wide receiver lashed out at JuJu Smith-Schuster for posting an image of himself scoring against the Raiders shortly after Brown was traded to Oakland.

He bashed Hines Ward for failing to mentor him his rookie season.

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

• Minkah Fitzpatrick is ready to be an even more versatile piece to the Steelers’ defense in 2020.

Minkah Fitzpatrick wants to be “moving piece on the chessboard” in 2020

By: Josh Alper, ProFootballTalk

Minkah Fitzpatrick‘s production soared after being traded from the Dolphins to the Steelers last season and one of the reasons cited for that change was the way that he was used in the Pittsburgh defense.

After moving around the secondary throughout his time in Miami, Fitzpatrick was being used solely as a free safety by the Steelers and he turned in five interceptions in his first seven games with the team. That seemed to suit him well as Fitzpatrick was vocal about his dislike for his role in Miami.

Fitzpatrick’s impact was less pronounced over the back half of his time in Pittsburgh and he thinks part of the reason was that quarterbacks were able to avoid him because they knew where he’d be on the field. As a result, he’d like to reincorporate some of the movement that was taken off the table last year.

“I don’t want to see that drop-off,” Fitzpatrick said, via Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com. “You know what I’m saying? I wanted to continue to have that impact on my team and have that impact on games. Because it’s no fun when you’re in a critical moment and you can’t do nothing about it. When you move around and you’re a moving piece on the chessboard, it’s hard to defend and you can’t just say, ‘All right, the quarterback is going to look at me and say he’s going to be in this spot every snap,’ like I was last year. It’s going to be harder and it’s going to be more difficult to take me out of the game.”

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

• Social Media Madness