Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin held his weekly press conference on Monday because of the short week and during it he provided an update on quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who left Sunday’s game against the St. Louis Rams in the third quarter with a left knee injury
“He got an MRI, he’s got an MCL sprain,” said Tomlin. “He’s going to be out for a number of weeks. I don’t have great detail about what that length of time might look like, or might be, to be quite honest with you. I know he’s out this week and under the circumstances of us having to deal with a short week and get this group ready to play, that’s about all the information that I need. I’ll fall back in and get more details regarding him and what the rehab’s going to look like, what the process is going to look like, and when we can start anticipating his return. Ill address that when we come out of this game probably no earlier than Friday of this week.”
Linebacker Ryan Shazier (shoulder) missed the game Sunday against the Rams and Tomlin also updated his status on Monday.
“Ryan Shazier is still nursing his shoulder and I don’t know what his availability is going to be,” said Tomlin. “As soon as he gets above the line from a strength standpoint, he’ll be allowed to return to participation. He wasn’t there as of the other day. We’ll see where he is as we prepare for this game.”
According to Tomlin, nose tackle Daniel McCullers (knee) is still working through the issue with his left knee that prevented from playing Sunday.
“We’ll let his availability in terms of practice be a guide in terms of whether or not he’s able to participate,” said Tomlin.
The same thing goes for cornerback Cortez Allen (knee), according to Tomlin. Allen has had some knee inflammation and that has resulted in him missing the last two games. He apparently hasn’t been able to practice fully for the last few weeks.
As far as other injuries go, linebacker James Harrison (thumb) suffered a thumb injury during Sunday’s game and he’s being evaluated for that.
“Shouldn’t keep him out of action, but it may limit him in some way,” said Tomlin.
Tight end Matt Spaeth (hand) suffered a hand fracture against the Rams and Tomlin said it’s being casted.
“We’ll take a look at his ability to function with that hand cast and let that be our guide in terms of his participation for the football game,” said Tomlin.
The Steelers will play the Baltimore Ravens Thursday night at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh.
