Ben Roethlisberger is hurt. But he is not injured.
That’s an important distinction.
When Roethlisberger was hit by Vontaze Burfict late last week against the Cincinnati Bengals, it looked he was injured. Same when he was being carted to the locker room. But now that Roethlisberger is questionable to play Sunday against the Broncos, Steelers fans can have a little optimism heading to Sports Authority Field on Sunday.
Roethlisberger is only hurt. And he’s played hurt before.
This will be Roethlisberger’s fourth official injury this year, and yet he’s only missed four games heading into Sunday. In order, he’s had a knee sprain, a bone bruise in his foot, he entered concussion protocol, and now his shoulder.
Remember that time Roethlisberger injured his ribs and played through the injury, risking life-threatening damage to his aorta? Remember the time earlier this seaosn, when he tried to deny even having a concussion?
If there’s one trait Roethlisberger deserves, it’s tough. He is tough, and you can bank on him returning Sunday.
As a bonus, Roethlisberger fully practiced on Friday. He was able to make “specific” throws at various distances, and Martavis Bryant told reporters he noticed zero change in his quarterback’s velocity.
If you’re still not feeling great about the Steelers, how about this: Roethlisberger is 5-0 in his career in divisional playoff games. The last time he was here was 2010, when the Steelers defeated the Jets in the divisional round, before falling to the Packers in Super Bowl 45.