Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger makes his long-awaited return against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 8. Roeghlisberger is officially active after missing four games with a knee injury.
Ben Roethlisberger makes return in Week 8 vs. Bengals
After missing four games with a knee injury, Ben Roethlisberger will return for a crucial matchup against the undefeated Bengals.
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Roethlisberger suffered the injury against the St. Louis Rams in Week 3. It had the initial look of a season-ending injury, but he escaped without any torn ligaments. Roethlisberger was diagnosed with a sprained MCL and bone bruise on his knee, which was almost a best-case scenario given the way he crumpled to the turf in the Edward Jones Dome.
The 33-year-old is often banged up, but this is the first time since 2012 he’s actually missed any games. Roethlisberger was on his way to another career year before the injury, completing 75.3 percent of his passes for 912 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions in three games.
Mike Vick was the primary backup after being brought in very late this offseason. He led the Steelers to a win over the San Diego Chargers, and threw a couple touchdown passes before he also went down with an injury. He suffered a hamstring injury against the Arizona Cardinals and was replaced by Landry Jones in the game.
Jones led the Steelers to a win over the Cardinals with a pair of touchdowns, but made the start in a losing effort against the Kansas City Chiefs in the Steelers' last game. The Steelers fared a lot better than expected with backups running the show, but are in great hands with Roethlisberger returning, which couldn't come at a better time.
The Steelers will try to climb back into the race for the AFC North and need a win against the undefeated Bengals, to keep the divisional crown within reach. Pittsburgh has won 13 of the last 17 games against Cincinnati, and carry a three-game winning streak against the Bengals into Sunday.
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