© David Butler II | 2019 Sep 8
Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger’s season is over.
Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin announced as much in an official statement on Monday morning, a day after the QB left late in the second quarter of Sunday’s game and was unable to return with a right elbow injury.
“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,” the statement read. “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.”
The 2-0 49ers face the Steelers in their home opener at Levi’s this Sunday. Mason Rudolph, a third-round pick by the Steelers last season, is expected to take over the starting QB reigns for Pittsburgh. The sophomore looked impressive taking over for Big Ben on Sunday, nearly leading the team to a fourth-quarter comeback vs. the Seahawks, completing 12 of 19 attempts for 112 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.
The news means the 49ers are almost certainly favored to start the season 3-0, which they haven’t done since Steve Young was the quarterback during the 1998 season.
