Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger in Concussion Protocol After Getting Hit at Practice
Steelers' quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is in concussion protocol after leaving practice early on Tuesday when he suffered an apparent head injury.
Coach Mike Tomlin issued a statement through Burt Luaten, the Steelers director of communications.
"Ben Roethlisberger sustained a hit today in practice. He is being evaluated by team doctors as part of the concussion protocol."
Per multiple reports, Roethlisberger fell to the ground after throwing a pass on the final play of a "Seven Shots" team period. He was on the ground holding his head for a few minutes prior to being helped up by teammates.
He then managed to walk off the practice field under his own power alongside Pittsburgh general manager Kevin Colbert and head trainer John Norwig.
The 36-year-old is regarded as one of the most durable signal-callers in the NFL. Through 14 seasons, he has suffered three concussions (October 2006, November 2009 and November 2015). In October 2016, Roethlisberger suffered a torn meniscus, but only missed one game following surgery. He started 15 games last season but sat out the Steelers' season finale against the Browns.
Roethlisberger did not appear in Pittsburgh's lone preseason game against the Eagles last week.
