Ben Roethlisberger to miss rest of season

Through all of Pittsburgh’s turmoil and turnover over the past couple of seasons the one constant has been Ben Roethlisberger. Roethlisberger had not missed a game since Week 7 of the 2016 season. Until now.

The Steelers announced that Roethlisberger will be sidelined for the remainder of the season with a right elbow injury that will require surgery. The 37-year-old tried to shake off the injury throughout Sunday’s loss to the Seahawks but had to be replaced by second-year quarterback Mason Rudolph in the second half.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin released 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. 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.

Rudolph’s debut was impressive given the situation. He went 12-for-19 for 119 yards, two touchdowns and one interception (which sailed through the hands of Donte Moncrief).

But the loss of Roethlisberger is massive, particularly since the Steelers bid goodbye to Le’Veon Bell and Antonio Brown over the past year. Without the Killer B’s, the Steelers have veered a long way from there powerhouse offense that defined them the past four or five seasons.

Pittsburgh is currently 0-2 and could be in for a loooong season.