Roethlisberger out with sprained shoulder, dislocated rib
If you think you’re having a bad week, think again. Ben Roethlisberger‘s biggest problem this week was a sprained right shoulder, that is until he found out about a life-threatening rib injury.
He dislocated a rib while being sacked during the third quarter of the Steelers’ Monday night game against Kansas City. He also sprained the sternoclavicular joint in his shoulder, which connects the sternum to the collarbone, but the rib is a larger concern considering doctors fear it could cut his aorta, which could kill him.
At least the Steelers won the Monday night game, but Roethlisberger is officially ruled out to play this Sunday and backup quarterback Byron Leftwich will play in his place. However, Roethlisberger’s optimistic the injury won’t end his season.
“I don’t think so. I don’t know, though, but I’m not a medical expert,” Roethlisberger said, according to the LA Times. “I just know I’m going to do what I can to get back.”
He also said the pain is at a nine on a scale of one to 10. Yikes.
Leftwich completed 7-of-14 pass attempts for 73 yards when he came into the game Monday night following Roethlisberger’s injury. He hasn’t started in an NFL game since Sept. 27, 2009, but considering the status of his starting quarterback’s rib injury, Leftwich had better be prepared.
