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The Pittsburgh Steelers fan base received a welcome gift on Monday when quarterback Ben Roethlisberger posted a video compilation of both him getting his now-legendary beard trimmed, but also throwing passes to teammates Ryan Switzer, James Conner and JuJu Smith-Schuster.
The video concluded with Smith-Schuster pointing at the camera saying, “He’s baaack!”
Yes, the video went viral and caused instant excitement among Steelers fans everywhere. In the following hours after the video was posted, reports began circulating of the health of Roethlisberger’s surgically repaired elbow.
In fact, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported how the Steelers have been more than cautious with Roethlisberger’s recovery, and the patience has paid off with him being more than ready for the rigors of being an NFL quarterback when the 2020 regular season rolls around.
Take a look at Rapoport on Good Morning Football talking about Roethlisberger:
From @GMFB: #Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger shaved and threw yesterday -- not necessarily in that order. The reality is, Pittsburgh has been overly cautious with him, as he's been ready to throw for some time. pic.twitter.com/7HkCXOJgcK
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 19, 2020
When you think about the timeline of Roethlisberger’s injury, which occurred in Week 2 of the 2019 regular season vs. the Seattle Seahawks, he will have nearly a full calendar year to recover from his injury before stepping back on the field for a regular season contest.
Throughout the offseason, Kevin Colbert had told media they have had to take it slow with Roethlisberger, often reminding him to take it slow. The one thing the organization cannot afford is a setback with Roethlisberger’s recovery.
From all accounts they have been successful in this endeavor, and Roethlisberger seems more than ready to suit up and play again for the black-and-gold. This is absolutely the best news for the Steelers as they approach 2020 regular season with a budding elite defense, and an offense brimming with skill at the wide receiver position.
However, if 2019 taught anything, it would be the importance of the quarterback position in today’s NFL. If Roethlisberger is healthy and ready-to-go, it will boost the team’s chances of making noise in the postseason.
Stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes on the Pittsburgh Steelers as they prepare for the upcoming 2020 regular season.