
I'm convinced Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is most comfortable when he's battling any number of ailments. Early in the season it was a bum shoulder, than a bruised hand, not to mention the 25 or so hits he'd take every game.
After a rough stretch last month, lowlighted by a three-pick, "I'm definitely the reason we lost that one" performance against the Colts, Big Ben had back-to-back strong performances against the Bengals and the Patriots. Today, as the 9-3 Steelers prepared for Sunday's matchup with the Cowboys, Roethlisberger tweaked his knee and had to leave practice early.
According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Ed Bouchette, Big Ben "slipped and slightly injured his right knee while throwing a pass." I'd hasten to add that Roethlisberger thinks he'll be fine for this weekend's game, which must sadden the non-trivial subset of fans who'd love nothing more than to see backup Byron Leftwich get the job.
Not likely, but I can offer this: Leftwich ran the first-team offense for the final 20 minutes of practice today, so there's that.
Roethlisberger said afterward that he slipped in the mud in the middle of the Steelers outdoor, grass practice field. He does not think his knee is seriously hurt.
Coach Mike Tomlin prefers to practice outdoors when possible, especially when the Steelers have a home game. They also have an indoor practice field with artificial turf available to them.
Steelers chairman Dan Rooney has resisted the annual calls to install FieldTurf at Heinz Field. If anything could change his mind, I'm guessing it's watching the $100 million face of the franchise go down in a heap because of poor footing.
Ben Roethlisberger Injures Knee at Practice, Still Thinks He'll Play Against Cowboys originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Wed, 03 Dec 2008 19:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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