Tomlin expects more 'clarity' on Ben's rehab schedule soon

Mike Tomlin expects more 'clarity' on Ben Roethlisberger's rehab schedule soon

RAY FITTIPALDO
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

DEC 31, 2019
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin will know soon when he might have his starting quarterback available during the offseason, and he already knows who will be backing him up.

Tomlin addressed his iffy quarterback group and a number of other subjects on Tuesday during his final news conference of the season.

Ben Roethlisberger, who was placed on injured reserve after the second game of the season, is recovering from elbow surgery and will get an update on Feb. 1 “that will be significant in terms of mapping out what’s next,” Tomlin said.

Tomlin did not disclose a date when Roethlisberger will begin throwing, but Roethlisberger indicated to the Post-Gazette’s Ron Cook in November that he was on schedule with his rehabilitation.

“OTAs. Minicamp. Somewhere in there,” Roethlisberger said. “Just taking it nice and slow, doctors’ orders. It’s all about what they say.”

Roethlisberger’s backup next season will be Mason Rudolph, Tomlin said. Rudolph, who also finished the season on injured reserve after a clavicle injury in Week 16 ended his season, took over for Roethlisberger when he was injured but lost his job to rookie undrafted free agent Devlin Hodges late in the season.

“Mason is the backup,” Tomlin said. “I’m comfortable with Mason. I’m disappointed he missed the amount of time he did. He had an opportunity to grow and get a lot of experience.”

Rudolph played in 10 games this season and was 5-3 as a starter.

Tomlin did not dismiss the possibility of adding a veteran quarterback to the mix, but he said that is something he and the coaching will discuss in detail in the coming weeks.

“I don’t even know what the potential market is as I stand here,” Tomlin said. “I’m just not ready to weigh those options. We’ll weigh all options to put the best football team on the field.”

Roethlisberger’s health will be the most important story line of the offseason, but Bud Dupree’s status is close behind. The fifth-year outside linebacker can become an unrestricted free agent in March, but the Steelers can place the franchise tag on him and prevent him from hitting the open market.

“He’s a priority for us, but we haven’t had extensive meetings defining that,” Tomlin said. “But make no mistake, Bud Dupree is a priority for us.”

https://www.post-gazette.com/sports...ate-mike-tomlin-steelers/stories/201912310108

 

Ben hasnt thrown yet. Tomin isn't a doctor an I'm sure he has focused zero attention on Ben's condition the last 3 months.

No one really knows Ben's situation or his prognosis, probably not even Ben or his doctors. I'm sure Ben is 'extremely motivated' to come back at 100%, but that means nothing. Duck, I'm sure, is similarly motivated to be an NFL starter. But if you ain't got the physical tools, motivation isn't enough.

Whether Ben still has the physical tools probably won't be apparent before training camp.

 

I feel like it’s a tight rubber band that is drying out and getting tighter from not throwing lol

 

So a couple things.
1-Tomlin said he would know more in February.

2- You say no one really knows Ben’s prognosis then go on to say we won’t know till training camp. You know something we don’t?

 

Tomlin did not dismiss the possibility of adding a veteran quarterback to the mix:

So now that this season is over in hind sight dum dum doesnt want to blow it again this year with out having a vet back up for insurance, it's a no brainer we need an experienced back up with all the question marks at QB, ben is a question mark and rudolph cant carry this team so dont blow it again..........

 

Only thing for sure in Pittsburgh sports is the Pirates will suck.

 

And The Penguins will be devastated by injuries

 

The Steelers have a lot of money tied up into Ben. Experienced back up probably isn't going to come cheap. How much can they afford to spend on an experienced back up?

 

Average is between 3- 5 mill, cheap considering they can be a starter at any moment, we piss away 5 mill a year for vance mcdonald who does next to nothing....

 

Not much. I’d be very surprised if they sign anyone else significant at QB

 

They are doing pretty damn good all things considered. One thing I learned following Hockey, it doesn't really get started until late March. IMO it is the only sport where all 16 playoff teams have a shot. I've seen 8 seeds make it to Cup finals.

Now the NBA you can bet the house that barring major injuries the 1 or 2 seed will win the title.

 

The only news in February will be if Ben is close to throwing the football or what the timeline will be.

Tomlin stated that Rudolph will be the #2. Did not say much about Quack.

A question was asked about adding a QB coach. He was receptive as he should be. They need one. Oh wait, Ol Randy is one

I wouldn't be surprised if Ben is not ready for camp.