Ben Roethlisberger has taken the first step towards being ready for the 2020 season.
The Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback underwent elbow surgery on Monday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. This had been expected since last week.
The Steelers announced a week ago that Big Ben would undergo season-ending elbow surgery after an MRI revealed the need for it. There were questions about whether he would need Tommy John surgery, which requires a lengthy rehab period. Schefter reported on Sunday that Roethlisberger did not need that procedure.
The surgery was performed in Los Angeles by Dr. Neal ElAttrache, one of the most renowned sports surgeons in the country, one who specializes in elbow and Tommy John surgeries.
Ben Roethlisberger had surgery on his right elbow Monday in Los Angeles at the Cedars-Sinai Kerlan Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic. Dr. Neal ElAttrache performed the procedure in consultation with Steelers Team Physician Jim Bradley, who began his career at there.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 23, 2019
”Once Ben returns to Pittsburgh, he immediately will begin working with the Steelers’ medical staff on his rehabilitation, and he is expected to make a full recovery and return to the field for the 2020 NFL season,” the Steelers said in a statement via Schefter.
The Steelers have begun the season 0-3, traded away their first-round pick for next year, and reportedly believe in Mason Rudolph as Roethlisberger’s successor. Best of luck to them.
