Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger suffered a sprained MCL during the team’s 12-6 victory over the St. Louis Rams, according to multiple media reports. There does not appear to be damage to his ACL, an injury that usually requires surgery. Roethlisberger underwent an MRI after the team returned to Pittsburgh late on Sunday night and is expected to miss between four and six weeks.
MRI on Ben Roethlisberger confirms an MCL sprain. No damage to ACL. Expected to make a 4-week recovery
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) September 28, 2015
The initial extent of Roethlisberger’s injury was first reported by Adam Schefter of ESPN.
Ben Roetlisberger could undergo MRI after Steelers return to Pittsburgh tonight, but he is expected to miss minimum of 4 weeks, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 27, 2015
Roethlisberger was injured in the third quarter of the game at the Edwards Jones Dome in St. Louis. On the play, a 2nd-and-18, Roethlisberger stepped up in the pocket to avoid pressure from the Rams defense, only to be hit in the left shin by diving Rams safety Mark Barron.
He was carted off the field and did not return to the game. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said that Roethlisberger’s knee is still being evaluated and that he will have an MRI this evening during Tomlin’s post-game press conference.
Roethlisberger had staked the Steelers to a 9-3 lead before leaving the game. He went 20-of-24 for 192 yards and an interception. Veteran backup Michael Vick replaced Roethlisberger, completing five of his six passes for 38 yards.
The Steelers will play the Baltimore Ravens this Thursday before having 10 days off before their next game against the San Diego Chargers. The Steelers then follow with the Arizona Cardinals, Kansas City Chiefs, Cincinnati Bengals and Oakland Raiders.
Note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated the Steelers 10-day break as a bye week. Their bye is Week 11.
Photo credit: Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images
