Steelers/NFL
Ben Roethlisberger has been diagnosed for now with an SC shoulder sprain (Sprained sternoclavicular joint, right shoulder), according to head coach Mike Tomlin. Tomlin called Roethlisberger’s participation this week questionable as Roethlisberger continues to be further evaluated. Right now it should be noted that this is a preliminary diagnosis.
The SC joint attaches the collarbone to the breastbone, which means most upper-body motions are affected. Here’s some info on SC shoulder sprains. It’s an injury that Brett Favre suffered during his final NFL season in early December 2010 that ended his consecutive games streak.
According to medical experts SC sprains vary but average recovery time is at least a three week rehab period for quarterbacks (throwing arm) and up to three to four months for severe cases that require surgery. Rehabbing the injury for less severe cases, include ice, anti-inflammatory, wearing a sling for a few weeks and rehab with range-of-motion exercises. The first few days following the injury, it is considered a very painful injury that has swelling and tenderness in the front of the chest. According to one report from Ed Werder today, Roethlisberger is in considerable pain with the injury today.
For now it’s a wait and see period on how long Roethlisberger will be out pending further evaluation but the sense from Steelers officials is that right now they are preparing to be without Roethlisberger for at least two to three weeks and possibly longer.
TIDBITS
— Tomlin confirmed that Byron Leftwich is his guy as the starter, despite the success Charlie Batch has had the past couple seasons in relief of Roethlisberger.
— Tomlin on last night’s OT win. “Obviously pleased to get out of stadium with win. Very few positives but the positives were significant. Of course Lawrence Timmons play in overtime was big,” Tomlin said.
— Tomlin had high praise for Brett Keisel who broke out with 8 tackles, 2 sacks and 4 quarterback hits.
— Tomlin officially listed Antonio Brown, Marcus Gilbert – questionable, and Rashard Mendenhall – as questionable. Of the three, Gilbert and Mendenhall have the best chance of playing. Don’t look for Brown to play as he’s expected to miss a couple more weeks…..Troy Polamalu is officially listed as doubtful and you can pretty much rule him out….Ryan Clark will be evaluated as the week goes on but Clark has tweeted that he’s feeling good after suffering what might have been his second concussion in a two week period.
