Ben Roethlisberger reportedly still wants to play in 2019, expected to fully recover
Despite a report on Monday about Ben Roethlisberger’s recovery that may have sparked some panic among Pittsburgh Steelers fans, the quarterback still has every intention of returning to the team in 2020.
ESPN’s Chris Mortensen said on Monday’s edition of “SportsCenter” that he has spoken with people who are not sure if Roethlisberger will want to play next season. The 37-year-old suffered an elbow injury in Week 2 that required surgery, and he had already openly contemplated retirement in the past. However, Mortensen has since backtracked with a new report that says Roethlisberger “wants and expects to play in 2020 and beyond.”
Clarity to calm down the masses – the @Steelers are now optimistic Ben Roethlisberger will recover from elbow surgery to reattach three tendons. Not cleared to throw yet but he is tracking better and Ben himself wants and expects to play in 2020 and beyond, per sources.
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) December 23, 2019
Mortensen’s colleague Adam Schefter reported back in September that Roethlisberger does not need Tommy John surgery and is expected to be good to go for 2020. Big Ben has also thrown cold water on the speculation that his injury could force him into retirement.
Roethlisberger threw for a career-high 5,129 yards last season, so he appeared to have plenty left in the tank prior to hurting his elbow. Big Ben’s doubts about his playing career in the past seem to have stemmed from frustration, and he has not given any indication to this point that his plans have changed for next season.
