Rib injury risks Pittsburgh Steelers QB Big Ben’s season, immediate future – NFL News
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has been hit by an unusual rib injury that has left his current season in question in spite of the player’s hopes that he can still manage to return to action any time this year.
Reports from the local hospital where the player was taken for examination after the injury have shown the QB has suffered a sprained shoulder and a dislocated rib.
Although there is evidence about the timeline of recovery from a shoulder injury, there is no case study on the rib injuries that can be made a base for determination of a timetable for rehab and return for the player.
Ben described the situation:
"From what (the doctor) said, he's trying to talk to experts because there is no case study over the exact same thing. We're just trying to talk to people because we don't know."
He added:
"I can move (the arm) around; that's not the issue. Sometimes when I do move it, the rib will kind of pop out of place again, which is pretty painful. I just try to keep it as still as I can for the most part."
Despite all the optimism there is a big question mark on the player’s ability to play any football this season, and if he is out for the rest of the season, it will be a serious blow to the Steelers given the entire offence relies on Big Ben.
He is definitely out for the weekend game versus the Baltimore Ravens and it is not clear how many more games he is going to miss. Since the doctors are unable to determine the timeframe for his recovery, he is as much disappointed and uncertain as his team.
Some commentators have questioned the team’s choice of remaining silent over the matter. They think it is the time that the Steelers should look forward and groom a replacement for Ben. He is already a used horse and even if the rib injury does not hurt
his immediate prospects he does not have a lot more football left in him.
The Steelers without a choice on the starting line will certainly suffer in absence of Ben, but they have to think how long they can cope with the situation without him.
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