Ben Roethlisberger has surgery in L.A., expected to return for 2020 season
Pittsburgh’s Ben Roethlisberger had elbow surgery in Los Angeles, the team announced on Monday afternoon, and is expected to be ready to go for the 2020 season.
The Steelers have not disclosed the exact nature of the quarterback’s right elbow injury.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, he did not need Tommy John surgery — something that could have put next season in serious doubt.
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“Once Ben returns to Pittsburgh, he immediately will begin working with the Steelers’ medical staff on his rehabilitation, and is expected to make a full recovery and return to the field for the 2020 NFL season,” the Steelers said in a statement.
Roethlisberger injured his elbow in the second half of their game against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2. The 37-year-old went 8-of-15 for 75 yards before leaving the game.
Pittsburgh has turned to Mason Rudolph in Roethlisberger’s absence, who went 14-of-27 for 174 yards with two touchdowns in the Steelers’ loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. The Steelers traded up to get Rudolph in the third round of the 2018 NFL draft.
Despite his inexperience, Pittsburgh has shown that it believes in the former Oklahoma State standout — and even traded away next year’s first-round pick for former Miami Dolphins defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick.
While the Steelers expect to have Roethlisberger — who has spent all 16 of his years in the league in Pittsburgh — back next season, Rudolph has a prime opportunity this fall to prove that he is the Steelers’ quarterback of the future.
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