Ben Roethlisberger sustained a left pec injury during Pittsburgh’s Week 2 loss to Las Vegas, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin announced during his weekly press conference Tuesday. Tomlin acknowledged that the injury will impact Roethlisberger’s preparation leading into this Sunday’s home game against the Bengals.
While he gave no indication that Roethlisberger’s status for Sunday is in question, Tomlin said his team “better be ready to be adjustable,” via NFL Network’s Aditi Kinkhabwala.
Roethlisberger, playing behind a revamped offensive line, was sacked twice and hit 10 times during Sunday’s loss to the Raiders. He was also sacked twice in the Steelers’ Week 1 win over the Bills. Tomlin acknowledged that Roethlisberger was hit too many times Sunday but added he does not anticipate making any changes to his offensive line.
Despite the injury, Roethlisberger went 27 of 40 for 295 yards with a touchdown and an interception against the Raiders. Through two games, Roethlisberger has completed 62.5% of his passes for 483 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. Mason Rudolph is on deck to start in the event that Roethlisberger’s injury prevents him from playing Sunday. Rudolph is 5-4 as a starter and 2-0 against the Bengals.
Pittsburgh is dealing with several injuries. Cornerback Joe Haden and inside linebacker Devin Bush missed last Sunday’s game with groin injuries. Then outside linebacker T.J. Watt exited Sunday’s game with a groin injury and receiver Diontae Johnson sustained a knee injury on the final play of the game. Defensive lineman Tyson Alualu was placed on injured reserve after he fractured his ankle during Sunday’s 26-17 loss. Outside linebacker Alex Highsmith is also dealing with a groin injury.
Cincinnati’s defense is currently ninth in the NFL in passing yards allowed and 10th in points allowed. The unit has recorded six sacks thus far, including two from defensive tackle B.J. Hill and 1.5 sacks from defensive end Trey Hendrickson.
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