Roethlisberger Carted Off Field in 2nd.

[nLions1]

PITTSBURGH (AP)—Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger sustained a concussion while being driven into the ground by two Cleveland Browns defenders late in the second quarter of an essentially meaningless game Sunday.

As Roethlisberger delivered a 4-yard pass to tight end Heath Miller over the middle, he was leveled by Willie McGinest at about shoulder level and D’Qwell Jackson at the quarterback’s knees. Roethlisberger’s head struck the ground hard as McGinest, possibly playing his final NFL game, drove him backward.

Roethlisberger was seen moving his arms and legs and talking before being placed onto a stretcher and then onto a cart that took him off the field. His helmet was taken apart while he was on the field, a precautionary move so his neck could be stabilized.

As he was being driven off the field, Roethlisberger lifted his left arm and raised his thumb to the fans. The gesture drew a loud cheer from a crowd that stayed silent during the nearly 15 minutes Roethlisberger stayed on the turf.

Roethlisberger was hurt with 1:48 remaining in the second quarter of a game in which he was expected to play only the first half. He was taken to a nearby hospital in an ambulance for precautionary tests.

The Steelers, already locked into the No. 2 spot in the AFC’s playoffs, could not improve their playoff position by beating the Browns. But coach Mike Tomlin wanted Roethlisberger and the other starters to play most or part of the game because they won’t play again until Jan. 10 or 11.

Because the Steelers’ 31-14 loss at Tennessee on Dec. 21 made certain they couldn’t claim home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs, Tomlin didn’t want his regulars going three weeks without taking part in a game—even one that meant little to their season..

Before getting hurt, Roethlisberger was 9-of-14 for 110 yards and an interception that came after Pittsburgh had driven to a first down at the Browns 20 late in the first quarter.

Heinz Field has a grass surface, which generally is more forgiving than artificial turf when a player is driven into the ground.
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Should Roethlisberger even had been in this game? I remember earlier in the game when Roethlisberger got pressure from the Browns the commentators mentioned protecting Roethlisberger so he doesnt get injured for the playoffs. Oddly enough, he did indeed get injured. My question is, for this being a meaningless game did Tomlin make the right move by having his starting QB, and players in the last game of the season for a game that didnt matter? To be honest I fell asleep and woke up to a Roethlisberger laying in a stretcher. I was shocked as to how fast that happened, and how much you can actually miss by falling asleep with 10 minutes left in the 2nd quarter.

Anyways, a tired nLions was woken up by the shocking news, and now has come to bleachercoaches for others input on this situation, and quite possibly the worst news for the Steelers playoff hopes. Leftwich didnt do too bad though. I just hope Roethlisberger is able to play in the playoffs, and that hit got his case of turnovers out of his head.

[philip's dad]

Ben will be alright in 2 weeks

[deliverance]

Pittsburgh vs. Baltimore rematch in two weeks. It should be a good one. The Steelers will need Ben to be healthy.

[Sneakers]

Will have to wait another round to see that one...If the Ravens beat the Dolphins, they'll go to Titan land. (And I don't mean Shaler or Saxton)

[deliverance]

You are right, Sneaks. I was thinking the Steelers were the #1 seed. My bad. I always forget the Titans for some reason. The Steelers will probably see the Colts in two weeks. That will be a very good game, too.

[Crimsoncrush67]

Oh they are gonna need a healthy Ben, or they may be better with no Ben. Did you see the pick he threw against a horrible brownies d when he was perfectly fine? We can't be serious. That was one of the worst thrown balls i have seen in a long time especially when he had from the hash to sideline with no one but heath there. but i guess he is worth 37 million this year because if they dont win the thing he is one of the biggest busts ever.

[westmonster]

Ben has been inconsistent at best. If he comes back and plays the way he had been, I would much rather see Leftwich.

[nLions1]

I wouldnt call Ben inconsistent. If anything I would call the offensive line inconsistent, and applaud Ben for being able to scramble as much as he can. Without his 280 pound 6'8" quarterback frame, the Steelers would have given up at least 10 more sacks.

[philip's dad]

You are right NLions. Ben is not the problem. Yes he makes mistakes everybody does. Leftwich was left go by the Jags for a reason. He is a very capable backup and the Steelers are lucky to have him. He is NOT the answer to the offensive woes it is the line. Hopefully they try to resolve some of these problems in the off season.

[nLions1]

Actually I was thinking they resolve this problem before playoffs come. That would be nice. But if not playoffs, yeah it better be the offseason then.