Pittsburgh Steelers release statement on Ben Roethlisberger injury and timetable for return

As reports swirled Sunday evening of the diagnosis of Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's injured leg, as well as a potential timetable for his return, the Steelers organization released a statement on Roethlisberger's status Monday morning. The statement is below:

The MRI on Sunday night revealed Ben Roethlisberger had an MCL injury to his left knee. There is no timetable for his return, but Ben is a competitor and we are confident he will do everything in his power to return at the appropriate time.

The Steelers did not divulge the type of injury to the knee, but the reports of a MCL injury prove to be accurate after the statement released by Mike Tomlin. What wasn't mentioned in the statement was the reported bone bruise Roethlisberger supposedly suffered on the same play which sidelined him in the third quarter vs. the Rams.

What proves to be up for debate is the length of time the quarterback is expected to be out as the rehab process likely begins this week. Adam Schefter and Jason La Confora have estimated it will be anywhere from 6-8 weeks, but the Steelers were wise in not putting a timetable, or expectations, on his possible return to the playing field.

In the meantime, Michael Vick will no prepare to face the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday Night Football in Week 4 in hopes of moving the Steelers' record to 3-1, and in the process burying the Ravens at 0-4 in the basement of the AFC North division.

Mike Tomlin will address the media Monday at 12:00 p.m. EDT with his weekly press conference. More information will be given not only on Roethlisberger's injury, but also to injured players Daniel McCullers, Ryan Shazier and Cortez Allen.