Gerry: No timetable for Ben's return

Monday, 19 November 2012 10:57

Written by Gerry Dulac

The team has no timetable for Ben Roethlisberger’s return because there is not enough medical history with his type of injury to accurately determine the length of the recovery period.

A lot depends how quickly Roethlisberger heals, not whether he can handle the pain or discomfort associated with the injury. That’s why people associated with the team don’t know if he will be out as few as three weeks or as many as six weeks.

Roethlisberger’s rib was dislocated, tearing the tendons that hold it in place. The injury can potentially be severe because the rib could damage the aorta. He also sprained his throwing shoulder and has his right arm in a sling.

Meantime, his backup, Byron Leftwich, appeared to injure his ribs against the Ravens and looked to have difficulty throwing on the final possession, even though Coach Mike Tomlin dismissed te possibility and said Leftwich is fine. Leftwich appeared to be injured early in the game and was bent over and in discomfort walking to the sidelines after being sacked late in the fourth quarter.