NFL Notes: Ben Roethlisberger, Bengals, Cowboys

Ben Roethlisberger

Former Steelers OL Willie Colon mentioned during an interview with Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk that QB Ben Roethlisberger was “seriously considering” retirement before he ultimately elected to return for the 2017 season.

“I got to sit down and talk to him and one thing he told me is he did take it seriously,” Colon said. “He’s dealt with a lot of injuries.”

Colon added that the quality of the team’s offensive line will likely be a big consideration for Roethlisberger moving forward.

“He’s passionate about playing, but one thing that keeps his fire going is that offensive line,” Colon said. “You have to worry about the health of Ben Roethlisberger. Can you keep him upright, can he stay healthy for the duration? They have the offensive line, they have the pieces around him to make it work.”

Bengals

Bengals first-round WR John Ross explained that it’s become frustrating to keep having to defend his medical history.

“It gets frustrating because you can play a whole season and injuries could happen several years ago,” Ross said, via Paul Dehner Jr. of the Cincinnati Enquirer. “I don’t feel the need to keep defending myself. Like I was telling the coaches you can get hurt doing anything, so I don’t really feel the pressure to defend myself.”

Ross explained that he played nine games last year, despite having a torn labrum that later required offseason surgery.

“I tore the labrum blocking and playing one of the most physical teams in our conference in Stanford,” Ross said. “I don’t think people understand. Some people don’t watch the film so I feel like there’s no need to defend yourself sometimes. Imagine if I was healthy is what I can pitch to people.”

• Bengals CB Adam Jones pleaded guilty Tuesday to a second-degree misdemeanor obstructing official business charge, which stems from his January arrest. (Associated Press)

Cowboys

• Todd Archer of ESPN wonders if the Cowboys will use the $14 million of cap room they’ll receive on June 2 from cutting Tony Romo to sign G Zack Martin to a long-term extension.
• Archer mentions that with QB Dak Prescott on a cheap rookie contract, it’s possible Dallas could front-load Martin’s next contract so that they’re in a better position to lock up Prescott a few years from now.
• Archer expects fourth-round WR Ryan Switzer to be the team’s punt returner this season.
• Archer can’t see the Cowboys keeping a third quarterback right now, which means Cooper Rush and Austin Appleby may need big preseasons to secure a roster spot.