PITTSBURGH — Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger’s injured elbow will require surgery, and his season is over, according to NFL insiders.
Roethlisberger, who was sidelined in the second quarter of Sunday’s 28-26 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, and had an MRI on his right elbow Sunday night. The results revealed an injury that will require season-ending surgery, which the 37-year-old quarterback will undergo this week, according to NFL reporter Ian Rapoport.
NFL insider Adam Schefter is reporting that Roethlisberger is finished for the season as well.
The news was later confirmed by Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin in a statement Monday.
“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.”
Second-year quarterback Mason Rudolph took over for Roethlisberger on Sunday, throwing for 112 yards and two touchdowns on 12-of-17 passing. He was intercepted once.
Rudolph, a third-round pick in the 2018 draft out of Oklahoma State, will now take over as the Steelers’ starter under center.
Roethlisberger released the following statement:
I’ve been informed that I need season ending surgery on my elbow to continue playing football at the level I expect. 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. The Steelers committed three years to me this offseason and I fully intend to honor my contract and reward them with championship level play. I will do all I can to support Mason and the team this season to help win games. I love this game, my teammates, the Steelers organization and fans, and I feel in my heart I have a lot left to give.
