Steelers “Cautiously Optimistic” Ben Roethlisberger Can Return In Week 9

Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reports that the Steelers are “cautiously optimistic” that QB Ben Roethlisberger will return for their Week 9 game against the Ravens.

On Tuesday, HC Mike Tomlin officially ruled out Roethlisberger for the upcoming matchup with the Patriots, which should come as no surprise, considering that he underwent surgery for a torn meniscus on Monday.

This fits with some reporters from the past few weeks, which mentioned that Big Ben was looking at missing around three weeks or so.

In Roethlisberger’s place, the Steelers will start Landry Jones this weekend.

Roethlisberger, 34, is in the second year of his five-year, $99 million contract that includes $64 million guaranteed. He stands to make a base salary of $17.75 million for the 2016 season.

In 2016, Roethlisberger had completed 64.2 percent of his passes for 1,685 yards to go along with 16 touchdowns and six interceptions. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 21 quarterback out of 35 qualifying players.

We’ll have more regarding Roethlisberger’s return as the news is available.