Can These Four Steelers Overcome Their Health Concerns During Training Camp?
Steelers training camp starts next Friday on the 26th, and there are many highly anticipated questions going into camp that Steeler Nation can’t wait to find answers to. Most revolve around the newly acquired rookies and how they will fit into the roster. But, the four that intrigue me the most are about players and their health going into the 2013 season.
Ben Roethlisberger
May 22, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) looks to pass the ball during organized team activities at the Steelers training facility. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Big Ben had knee surgery on June 5th to clear up a couple of season’s worth of junk that’s built up in there since his last major (reported) knee injury back in 2011. #7 is injured in some fashion or another every single season. His style of play coupled with the consistent inconsistencies of the offensive line is a recipe served best with the world’s largest ice bath.
Roethlisberger says that his knee feels great. In fact he says, “It feels great, it feels better than ever, like it’s a brand new knee and I feel younger than ever, I feel good.” Good news and at least an initial sigh of relief. However, that knee will be tested early in the season, and it will be interesting to see how the coaching staff approach getting Roethlisberger ready for the start of 2013. I think I’ll start to worry a bit if I see him missing more than a session a day in camp. I’ll really be worried if by the third preseason game he’s still only playing a series or two before being sat. Ben will need his reps, and if he gets less than usual, it means that knee is not as healthy as he (or we) first thought.