NFL Notes: Ben Roethlisberger, Giants, Panthers, Saints, & Texans

Ben Roethlisberger

Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger told reporters on Tuesday that there is no timeline for his return.

“Obviously, you’re always scared for season-ending ACLs, surgeries and things like that,” said Roethlisberger, via The Observer-Reporter. “Doc, when we got in, said he thought he felt the ACL, but still wanted to get the MRI. So you still have that little bit of nerves until you get to the MRI and he tells you afterward. There’s definitely some relief, but still frustration.”

“I felt something and what they concluded (was that) it was the two bones smacking together, which caused the bone bruise,” Roethlisberger added. “That was the pain I felt inititally.”

Regarding his return, Roethlisberger said: “It’s kind of one of those things where we are going to take it week by week.”

Giants

• Josina Anderson mentions that even though the Giants are bringing in some receivers for workouts Tuesday, the  expectation at this time is that WR Victor Cruz is still on track to play this Sunday.

Panthers

Panthers HC Ron Rivera said that they moved quickly to get a deal in place with the Bears for DE Jared Allen, once they became aware of the fact that he was available.

“We didn’t want to wait when we found out there was an opportunity,” Rivera said, via Bill Voth of Black and Blue Review. “[Allen’s] a pass-rushing specialist. He plays the run very well; he’s a physical guy. He’s got good size, good hand strength, he rushes with violence, he doesn’t just sit there and work one way or the other. He’s got counter moves. We watched a lot of tape on him today to make sure this could potentially be a fit for us.”

Saints

• Ed Werder of ESPN reported earlier this morning that Saints QB Drew Brees plans to throw Tuesday to see how his bruised rotator cuff is healing.
• Werder adds that Brees flew to Birmingham, Alabama on Monday for a shoulder evaluation with Dr. James Andrews, which wound up being more positive than he expected.

Texans