UPDATED 9/16/19 5:30 p.m. ET: Ben Roethlisberger has released an official statement regarding his injury.
"I’ve been informed that I need season ending surgery on my elbow to continue playing football at the level I expect," he said. "This is shocking and heartbreaking for me, to miss this much of a season and feel like I am letting down so many people. I can only trust God’s plan, but I am completely determined to battle through this challenge and come back stronger than ever next season."
Read his full statement below.
See original story below.
The Steelers' horrific start to the season has gotten worse. ESPN's Adam Schefter's reports that quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is out for the season with an elbow injury.
Roethlisberger's injury came during the Steelers' 28-26 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Prior to sitting out the majority of the second half, the Super Bowl-winning quarterback was seen wincing in pain and grabbing the elbow of this throwing arm while trying to make plays.
After being evaluated by the medical staff, Pittsburgh was told that Big Ben was "contemplating" surgery depending on the results of further tests. Coach Mike Tomlin released a statement on Monday that confirmed Roethlisberger's plans to undergo the season-ending procedure.
"Ben Roethlisberger had an MRI on his right elbow Sunday evening and it was determined by the Steelers' medical team that surgery will be required," Tomlin said. "We expect the surgery will be scheduled for this week. He will be placed on our Reserve/Injured List and is out for the season."
As of now, the issue with Roethlisberger's elbow has not been disclosed, but sources close to the situation told CBS Sports that the quarterback would have a surgery similar to the Tommy John procedure that many baseball pitchers have had.
