Ben Roethlisberger Underwent Successful Elbow Surgery and Anticipates 2020 Return
By Michael Luciano
Ben Roethlisberger's road to recovery can officially get started now following the completion of a successful elbow surgery.
Big Ben went under the knife to fix an elbow injury that will sideline him for the remainder of the Pittsburgh Steelers' 2019 season. In his stead, 2018 third-round pick Mason Rudolph will continue to start.
Steelers’ QB Ben Roethlisberger underwent elbow surgery today, per source. He is expected to return for 2020 season.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 23, 2019
The Steelers have released a statement, explaining that Ben will continue to rehab with the Pittsburgh medical staff and they expect him to make a full recovery for next season.
Steelers’ statement: ”Once Ben returns to Pittsburgh, he immediately will begin working with the Steelers’ medical staff on his rehabilitation, and he is expected to make a full recovery and return to the field for the 2020 NFL season.”
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 23, 2019
Roethlisberger, who will turn 38 when the 2020 season starts, struggled mightily in a blowout at the hands of the New England Patriots before exiting the game with the elbow injury in Week 2 against the Seahawks.
It remains to be seen if Rudolph will start 2020 as the franchise quarterback, backup to Big Ben, or not on Pittsburgh at all, as the Steelers could go in a number of different directions based on how confident they feel about him.
Mason Rudolph is about to keep this job. pic.twitter.com/MpY9xAXr4P
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) September 22, 2019
Roethlisberger just signed a three-year extension this offseason, so he's under contract until 2022-- whether he's a starter not remains to be seen.
Because the Steelers can be loyal to a fault, a 38-year-old Big Ben with one arm could be QB1 in 2020.