The Pittsburgh Steelers learned quickly this past season that they aren’t a playoff-caliber team when Ben Roethlisberger isn’t on the field. Coming off a disappointing 2019 season, the Steelers are counting down the days until Roethlisberger returns to the field and lead this team back to the playoffs.
Roethlisberger underwent season-ending elbow surgery after playing in just two games last year. During his 14-game absence, Pittsburgh’s offense struggled mightily and it kept them out of the playoffs. Fortunately, after more than seven months of recovery, Roethlisberger’s availability for the 2020 season looks outstanding.
In an interview with NFL Network, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said the team is extremely confident in Roethlisberger’s recovery and they fully anticipate him taking the field for Week 1 against the New York Giants.
Roethlisberger revealed in March that he is now throwing without pain for the first time in years. He continues to make progress in his recovery, impressing the team in workout videos and is closing in on being fully cleared by doctors.
Even when training camp begins in July, which is still expected despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the Steelers will likely take things slow with their 38-year-old quarterback. Fortunately, all signs are point toward him being back on the field in Week 1 and that would be a tremendous boost for a team that still has Super Bowl aspirations.