UPDATE: Ben has surgery in LA

[stillers4me]

The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing for life without Ben Roethlisberger for the remainder of the regular season, and while fans are excited to see Mason Rudolph take over, Roethlisberger is looking for a second opinion on his injured elbow.
This per Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:

Ben Roethlisberger received a second opinion from a well-known Los Angeles-based orthopedic surgeon with local ties on his injured elbow, sources told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Roethlisberger met with Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who specializes in sports medicine at Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic in Los Angeles, on Thursday to further evaluate the extent of his injury. ElAttrache, a Mount Pleasant native who earned his medical doctorate at Pitt, was in Pittsburgh and met with Roethlisberger at a private location.

read more @

https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.co...fl-news-update

[steelreserve]

Theoretically, since they don't do designations anymore, I guess he could come back in the second half of the season if it's not as serious. But by then we're either OK with Rudolph or the season's lost anyway.

[Edman]

So theoretically...

1) Rudolph plays well in his absence, but the team doesn't win many games, but Ben comes back and takes over because reasons. The team wastes time and games with Ben getting back up to speed, resulting in a late season collapse and a Quarterback controversy.

2) Rudolph plays decently, Ben comes back and is handed back the starting job, but the season is already dead, but at least they have some semblance of a future.

3) Rudolph stinks it up (highly unlikely), meaning the season is totally lost anyway, Ben coming back doesn't make a difference.

4) Rudolph leads a special run and takes the 2019 Steelers to the playoffs, Ben comes back come the playoffs, but is effectively benched.

5) Rudolph gets hurt and the season is fucked anyway.

[Mojouw]

We can talk this to death across a dozen or more threads. But I think we should all step back and think about what team we are talking about. Does anyone think that based on decades of Rooney family decisions on the fate of the franchise, that ownership is going to let anything besides Ben R start 2020 as the starter? They have stood by far less caliber players than a 15 year starting HOF QB. Jesus himself could suit up at QB for the Steelers in 2019 and Ben would get his job back in 2020.

Like I said before, unless the surgeon says the arm has to come off -- Ben takes the first snap Week 1 of 2020.

[steelreserve]

We can talk this to death across a dozen or more threads. But I think we should all step back and think about what team we are talking about. Does anyone think that based on decades of Rooney family decisions on the fate of the franchise, that ownership is going to let anything besides Ben R start 2020 as the starter? They have stood by far less caliber players than a 15 year starting HOF QB. Jesus himself could suit up at QB for the Steelers in 2019 and Ben would get his job back in 2020.

Like I said before, unless the surgeon says the arm has to come off -- Ben takes the first snap Week 1 of 2020.

If Rudolph wins the Super Bowl, or we finish the regular season 14-2, then it could happen, but that's about the only way.

If Rudolph does reasonably well but not some incredibly improbable grand-slam, knock-the-ball-out-of-the-park performance, the second test would be whether Ben stinks out the joint in the first couple games of 2020, THEN you've got a QB controversy.

Or it could happen with no controversy at all - Ben gets hurt again early in the season because his body is getting too worn out for the NFL, and from there it's a foregone conclusion.

[Mojouw]

If Rudolph wins the Super Bowl, or we finish the regular season 14-2, then it could happen, but that's about the only way.

If Rudolph does reasonably well but not some incredibly improbable grand-slam, knock-the-ball-out-of-the-park performance, the second test would be whether Ben stinks out the joint in the first couple games of 2020, THEN you've got a QB controversy.

Or it could happen with no controversy at all - Ben gets hurt again early in the season because his body is getting too worn out for the NFL, and from there it's a foregone conclusion.

The controversy will only be in the media and fan message boards. Look at Wentz-Foles. That is the blue-print. Thanks for winning the SB, now back to the bench! Oh, here is a contract extension (which Mason won't get) to keep quit.

If Ben gets re-injured, particularly to the same elbow, then all bets are off.

[Edman]

The controversy will only be in the media and fan message boards. Look at Wentz-Foles. That is the blue-print. Thanks for winning the SB, now back to the bench! Oh, here is a contract extension (which Mason won't get) to keep quit.

If Ben gets re-injured, particularly to the same elbow, then all bets are off.

Then Wentz got hurt again, Foles leads the Eagles to a playoff win.

Now we look at Wentz and he's nowhere near the same player he was, and the Eagles are in flux. But hey, he's the "franchise QB" and we can't hurt his feelings. That's the blueprint for success. The Eagles are currently getting embarassed by the Lions at home.

Eli Manning led the Giants to two rings over the modern day dynasty. Didn't matter. Benched for Daniel Jones.

This is what happens when you hand something back to someone for sentimental reasons and they have done nothing to earn it. I hope and pray the Steelers don't make the same mistake (if) Rudolph plays very well. Otherwise we're likely going to see ugly scenes at Heinz Field of Ben getting booed and Rudy's name getting chanted. Pittsburgh fans, like all football fans are not loyal. They are fickle and ruthless.

But who knows, maybe this will never happen. That all depends on Rudolph and how well he does.

[86WARD]

We can talk this to death across a dozen or more threads. But I think we should all step back and think about what team we are talking about. Does anyone think that based on decades of Rooney family decisions on the fate of the franchise, that ownership is going to let anything besides Ben R start 2020 as the starter? They have stood by far less caliber players than a 15 year starting HOF QB. Jesus himself could suit up at QB for the Steelers in 2019 and Ben would get his job back in 2020.

Like I said before, unless the surgeon says the arm has to come off -- Ben takes the first snap Week 1 of 2020.

If Ben is healthy at the start of 2020, there’s NOTHING Rudolph can do that keeps Ben from being the starter. 6000 yards, 60 TDS, 4 INTs, a 14-2 record and a Super Bowl...still wouldn’t keep Ben from starting. It’s not even a debate...lol.

[86WARD]

Then Wentz got hurt again, Foles leads the Eagles to a playoff win.

Now we look at Wentz and he's nowhere near the same player he was, and the Eagles are in flux. But hey, he's the "franchise QB" and we can't hurt his feelings. That's the blueprint for success. The Eagles are currently getting embarassed by the Lions at home.

Eli Manning led the Giants to two rings over the modern day dynasty. Didn't matter. Benched for Daniel Jones.

This is what happens when you hand something back to someone for sentimental reasons and they have done nothing to earn it. I hope and pray the Steelers don't make the same mistake (if) Rudolph plays very well.

Again, that all depends on Rudolph.

And it still doesn’t keep them from starting Wentz...and that’s what the Steelers do...nothing other than injury or his own decision keeps Ben from starting 2020.

[Mojouw]

And it still doesn’t keep them from starting Wentz...and that’s what the Steelers do...nothing other than injury or his own decision keeps Ben from starting 2020.

Right. The "answer" in this case isn't about right/wrong or best for the long-term health of the franchise, etc. It is about based on all past precedent, what the Steelers decide to do is incredibly easy and straightforward to predict.

As to Manning, he's been in steep decline for 4 years now. Different situation. I fully realize that Father Time will come for Ben. And sooner rather than later. But one elbow injury removed from leading the NFL in passing indicates that it isn't that time yet.

Wentz is really good. Not the problem for the Eagles.

[Edman]

And it still doesn’t keep them from starting Wentz...and that’s what the Steelers do...nothing other than injury or his own decision keeps Ben from starting 2020.

Based on absolutely nothing to indicate that. You also know what the Steelers don't do? Trade away a first round draft pick in the next draft. Wait, they just did that.

The Steelers jettisoned Troy Polamalu, and even to this day he's still salty about it.

We'll see about that when the time comes.

As to Manning, he's been in steep decline for 4 years now. Different situation. I fully realize that Father Time will come for Ben. And sooner rather than later. But one elbow injury removed from leading the NFL in passing indicates that it isn't that time yet.

No, but leading the league in interceptions, missing the playoffs, and increasingly lackluster performances might.

Ben doesn't need a reason to start, but the organization has 35 million reasons to start him.

[steelreserve]

The controversy will only be in the media and fan message boards. Look at Wentz-Foles. That is the blue-print. Thanks for winning the SB, now back to the bench! Oh, here is a contract extension (which Mason won't get) to keep quit.

If Ben gets re-injured, particularly to the same elbow, then all bets are off.

Wentz-Foles is basically the exact opposite of this situation. The young hotshot who's the face of the franchise gets hurt, and the mediocre veteran comes in and saves the day. It would be like if we had that 15-1 record in 2004, and then Ben got hurt in the last regular-season game and Maddox won the Super Bowl.

In this case, the old veteran is a lot better but a lot closer to retirement, and nobody knows if the young hotshot is any good yet.

[86WARD]

Based on absolutely nothing to indicate that. You also know what the Steelers don't do? Trade away a first round draft pick in the next draft. Wait, they just did that.

The Steelers jettisoned Troy Polamalu, and even to this day he's still salty about it.

We'll see about that when the time comes.



No, but leading the league in interceptions, missing the playoffs, and increasingly lackluster performances might.

Ben doesn't need a reason to start, but the organization has 35 million reasons to start him.

Look at their roster management. They keep starters, bench players way beyond what they should. Polamalu, Ward, etc. you could even throw Dangerfield and Chickillo in that category...lol. polamalu became a huge liability on field. Ben has not. Fresh off a 5000 yard season. He’s done nothing to show his talent has deteriorated the way Polamalu did.

[Dwinsgames]

you go with what got ya there .... so for me this is Rudolphs season to prove himself and Ben is on the shelf to heal .... if we make it to the playoffs Rudolph is still my guy unless he faulters ( yes it will suck for him to have Ben over his shoulder if Ben is healthy ) but great qbs have to endure great difficulties ... lets find out is he has greatness in him ....

in my best Mike Tomlin voice .......we are an 0-2 football team going into a hostile environment to a team that is having their home opener , the task will be a daunting one but we embrace that as men and look to step up to the challenge

[Moose]

We LOST with Ben, let's just go with Mason. Ben needs to retire, let us just go with Mason the rest of season and live / or die this year and use it as a 'learning' year with the new kids. Then fire a few coaches !

[AtlantaDan]

Ben had his elbow surgery yesterday in Los Angeles - performed by the surgeon from who Ben sought the second opinion

https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/...s/201909230129

Guess that explains why Ben was not on the sidelines at the 49ers game on Sunday

No specifics in the statement on whether it was ligament or torn muscle repair - maybe Tomlin or the Steelers team doc will get into specifics today

[stillers4me]

[86WARD]

But he could’ve been on the sideline to support Mason!!!!!

[AtlantaDan]

But he could’ve been on the sideline to support Mason!!!!!

Well now we know why, unlike having no idea on Sunday.

It is a minor thing given that the Steelers season is such a cluster. But this is a further illustration of why Ben is so tone deaf on media relations, which is something an agent presumably could advise him to clean up if Ben cared to do so.

Brees, who has a lot more goodwill in the bank with the Saints fan base than Ben does with the Steelers fan base these days, issued a statement on how bad he felt about not being in Seattle and why he was not there.

Crickets from Ben after the PR blurb last week about doing everything he can to support Mason and the team. It is not as if announcing his surgery a day in advance was going to require the stock exchanges to be closed until surgery was completed or for a 2 mile security perimeter to be put up around the hospital in LA.

[Shoes]

But he could’ve been on the sideline to support Mason!!!!!

Well hopefully Ben will be at the next game calling the plays. He can tell Fichtner to go and change the oil in the golf cart.

[tube517]

But he could’ve been on the sideline to support Mason!!!!!

Drama queen!

Sent from my LM-V405 using Tapatalk

[BnG_Hevn]

And it still doesn’t keep them from starting Wentz...and that’s what the Steelers do...nothing other than injury or his own decision keeps Ben from starting 2020.

Totally different case in Philly. Foles was NEVER the long term future whereas Rudolph could be if he plays well. If Rudolph simply takes the Steelers to the playoffs, much less a playoff win / SB, he is starter from here on out. If he does that, I think Ben will simply ride off into the sunset on his own.

With that said, I doubt we make the playoffs this year. My only real hopes is that Mason proves to be competent.

[Butch]

Well now we know why, unlike having no idea on Sunday.

It is a minor thing given that the Steelers season is such a cluster. But this is a further illustration of why Ben is so tone deaf on media relations, which is something an agent presumably could advise him to clean up if Ben cared to do so.

Brees, who has a lot more goodwill in the bank with the Saints fan base than Ben does with the Steelers fan base these days, issued a statement on how bad he felt about not being in Seattle and why he was not there.

Crickets from Ben after the PR blurb last week about doing everything he can to support Mason and the team. It is not as if announcing his surgery a day in advance was going to require the stock exchanges to be closed until surgery was completed or for a 2 mile security perimeter to be put up around the hospital in LA.

IDK maybe it's just me but is this really that big of an issue or is it making a mountain out of a molehill? So Ben wasn't there on the sidelines and he didn't think to make an announcement to the fanbase on his surgery. For all we know he may have been busy getting advice on Sunday or even traveling to LA. I guess I don't need a news flash to tell me Ben is getting surgery on Monday and that he wishes the team good luck. Maybe I am in the minority but this just isn't that big of a deal to me.

[Butch]

Totally different case in Philly. Foles was NEVER the long term future whereas Rudolph could be if he plays well. If Rudolph simply takes the Steelers to the playoffs, much less a playoff win / SB, he is starter from here on out. If he does that, I think Ben will simply ride off into the sunset on his own.

With that said, I doubt we make the playoffs this year. My only real hopes is that Mason proves to be competent.

Interesting point but what if Mason only wins a few games here and there maybe a couple against a quality opponent then what? If he leads us say to an 8 - 8 season but we miss the playoffs then what? Not picking on you simply asking your opinion on what Mason needs to do to supplant Ben?

[pczach]

Well now we know why, unlike having no idea on Sunday.

It is a minor thing given that the Steelers season is such a cluster. But this is a further illustration of why Ben is so tone deaf on media relations, which is something an agent presumably could advise him to clean up if Ben cared to do so.

Brees, who has a lot more goodwill in the bank with the Saints fan base than Ben does with the Steelers fan base these days, issued a statement on how bad he felt about not being in Seattle and why he was not there.

Crickets from Ben after the PR blurb last week about doing everything he can to support Mason and the team. It is not as if announcing his surgery a day in advance was going to require the stock exchanges to be closed until surgery was completed or for a 2 mile security perimeter to be put up around the hospital in LA.

So now Ben is getting blamed for not posting something earlier so that his haters wouldn't look as stupid or as wrong as they do for bashing him?

If Ben posted something early, all we would be hearing from the usual crowd is that Ben is playing up his surgery....or he's a drama queen milking it for all it's worth. It would also be said that he can't shut up about himself trying to play the injured hero. Again, the guy can't win.

You would also think that since we understand that Brees had good reason for not being in Seattle, that common sense would tell everyone that Ben probably had a good reason for not being in SF. But I guess intellectual leaps and common sense go out the window the moment Big Ben is involved. Because, it's not about what really happened. It's about what he should have said or done to satisfy people that would only crush him for doing exactly that.

Also, when Brees says something, "he issued a statement". When Ben says something, it's a "PR blurb"

I'm done listening to people taking every single thing that happens with Ben Roethlisberger and twisting it into the shittiest take possible. It's petty and it's wrong on multiple levels.

People continue to put him in a can't win situation. I simply don't understand what people get out of doing that. I understand there may be a couple insecure, football know-it-all wannabes that want to always be the first to declare when it's over for Ben or claim they see the deficiencies in his game. They don't like him and they parse every word to turn it against him. The sad part is that it is so transparent to the rest of us that just want to know what's going on with him, Rudolph, or the team in general, and don't give a flying fuck about personal vendettas against the one player that has been most responsible for the success of the franchise from the moment his foot first stepped onto the field.

I continue to be baffled and disappointed by "fans" ready to stone the guy for everything and anything he says or does.

If Ben does show up and spends every moment with Rudolph, he will only be mocked and criticized by the same people anyway. They will claim that he's there only to sabotage a promising young career.

Frankly, it's embarrassing and a poor reflection on those doing the bashing.

[AtlantaDan]

IDK maybe it's just me but is this really that big of an issue or is it making a mountain out of a molehill? So Ben wasn't there on the sidelines and he didn't think to make an announcement to the fanbase on his surgery. For all we know he may have been busy getting advice on Sunday or even traveling to LA. I guess I don't need a news flash to tell me Ben is getting surgery on Monday and that he wishes the team good luck. Maybe I am in the minority but this just isn't that big of a deal to me.

As I posted above IMO it is a minor thing. Would not even have been that with Ben saying he was scheduled for surgery, but there has been minimal official information about anything related to the injury or surgery so it is his call what he wants to disclose.

Just noting how Brees handled a similar situation

[Butch]

As I posted above IMO it is a minor thing. Would not even have been that with Ben saying he was scheduled for surgery, but there has been minimal official information about anything related to the injury or surgery so it is his call what he wants to disclose.

Just noting how Brees handled a similar situation

So then it's really more of a mountain out of a mole hill because Brees handled it differently. Seems to me it's like complaining because Peyton studies the game more than Ben even though both have the same SB record. To each his own but to me it's really not an issue at all.

[AtlantaDan]

It

So now Ben is getting blamed for not posting something earlier so that his haters wouldn't look as stupid or as wrong as they do for bashing him?

If Ben posted something early, all we would be hearing from the usual crowd is that Ben is playing up his surgery....or he's a drama queen milking it for all it's worth. It would also be said that he can't shut up about himself trying to play the injured hero. Again, the guy can't win.

You would also think that since we understand that Brees had good reason for not being in Seattle, that common sense would tell everyone that Ben probably had a good reason for not being in SF. But I guess intellectual leaps and common sense go out the window the moment Big Ben is involved. Because, it's not about what really happened. It's about what he should have said or done to satisfy people that would only crush him for doing exactly that.

Also, when Brees says something, "he issued a statement". When Ben says something, it's a "PR blurb"

I'm done listening to people taking every single thing that happens with Ben Roethlisberger and twisting it into the shittiest take possible. It's petty and it's wrong on multiple levels.

People continue to put him in a can't win situation. I simply don't understand what people get out of doing that. I understand there may be a couple insecure, football know-it-all wannabes that want to always be the first to declare when it's over for Ben or claim they see the deficiencies in his game. They don't like him and they parse every word to turn it against him. The sad part is that it is so transparent to the rest of us that just want to know what's going on with him, Rudolph, or the team in general, and don't give a flying fuck about personal vendettas against the one player that has been most responsible for the success of the franchise from the moment his foot first stepped onto the field.

I continue to be baffled and disappointed by "fans" ready to stone the guy for everything and anything he says or does.

If Ben does show up and spends every moment with Rudolph, he will only be mocked and criticized by the same people anyway. They will claim that he's there only to sabotage a promising young career.

Frankly, it's embarrassing and a poor reflection on those doing the bashing.

His absence on Sunday was commented upon and no explanation was given. It is his own damn business how much he wants to associate with the team during his injury and recovery but for whatever reason Brees was in a similar situation and put out a statement. Ben may not be able to care less about his image (although I doubt it for someone who preened last year about behaving as leaders behave), but it probably is no coincidence the QB who is more highly regarded by his fan base, with one less Lombardi and two less Super Bowl appearances, thought it appropriate to put out a statement. It may just be PR spin but so be it - spin works like it or not

But you are correct - Ben is wonderful, has never given anyone the slightest cause to applaud his achievements on the field while having minimal respect for him outside the lines, and it is unfair to point out how anyone else ever handled a similar situation

His sketchy public image could never have been improved by anything he does and anyone who doubted he might not be totally sincere in stating his unequivocal support for Mason Rudolph is just a hater and should ignore how Ben reacted like a petulant child after Rudolph was drafted, which was the only appropriate response by him after he had postured about retiring and the team had the audacity to draft a QB

Sorry you found my post petty, embarrassing, wrong, and a poor reflection on me - I can send you a link on how to activate the ignore feature

[pczach]

It

His absence on Sunday was commented upon and no explanation was given. It is his own damn business how much he wants to associate with the team during his injury and recovery but for whatever reason Brees was in a similar situation and put out a statement. Ben may not be able to care less about his image (although I doubt it for someone who preened last year about behaving as leaders behave), but it probably is no coincidence the QB who is more highly regarded by his fan base, with one less Lombardi and two less Super Bowl appearances, thought it appropriate to put out a statement. It may just be PR spin but so be it - spin works like it or not

But you are correct - Ben is wonderful, has never given anyone the slightest cause to applaud his achievements on the field while having minimal respect for him outside the lines, and it is unfair to point out how anyone else ever handled a similar situation

His sketchy public image could never have been improved by anything he does and anyone who doubted he might not be totally sincere in stating his unequivocal support for Mason Rudolph is just a hater and should ignore how Ben reacted like a petulant child after Rudolph was drafted, which was the only appropriate response after he had postured about retiring and the team had the audacity to draft a QB

Sorry you found my post petty, embarrassing, wrong, and a poor reflection on me - I can send you a link on how to activate the ignore feature

Dan, I'm sorry you took it that way. I was speaking to the complete group of Ben haters. I rolled specifics that you stated into it, and I shouldn't have directed as much of it at you as I did. I am sorry. My emotions got the best of me because there has been a river of anti-Ben stuff everywhere on this board for months.

I consider you a very good poster and a man of high character. I just don't completely understand what comes off as a mission to destroy Ben Roethlisberger. I know you have mentioned on several occasions that his off-field behavior is behind your feelings that you have for him.

I still stand by what I said about his detractors in general. I have been reading post after post by a group of people that are literally cheering for his demise. They are giddy that he is gone, and are disappointed that he may return at some point.

You are correct. It is his own damn business how he wants to conduct himself. It is also your damn business to think what you want. You obviously have strong feelings about him, and want everyone to see him through your eyes.

I am not saying he's the best man on the planet. I never made any such ridiculous claims or am stupid enough to believe that. I am simply responding to everyone that attacks him with a persistence and a venom that is not easily understandable.

If you feel that I crossed the line and no longer want to discuss anything with me, I understand. I'm sorry that I insulted you, but that wasn't my intention to do so.

No link is necessary. You also have the power to ignore me if that is what you choose to do. I hope it is not.

[stillers4me]

From last Thursday....just because you didn't get a memo about it...........