News from Tomlin's presser (1 Viewer)

[Godsbrother]

Tomlin was asked extensively about the situation with Ben. He said that Ben passed all his neuroligical tests on Monday and Tuesday and was cleared for practice on Wednesday. After practice on Wednesday he experienced some headaches but was told it was normal. He continued to practice on Thursday and Friday but still was experiencing headaches so Tomlin called the team doctor on Saturday morning. The doctor told Tomlin that Ben should not play. Tomlin then told Ben about the decision and said that "he was not happy".

Tomlin said he called the doctor back and asked if Ben could serve as an emergency quarterback. He was told that Ben was not cleared to sustain any contact but if he had to use him "just to handoff in an emergency" then that would be okay.

Tomlin said that "bad news travels fast" and by the time he was off the phone with the doctor the second time word was already spreading about the QB situation. He said that led to part of the part of miscommunication amongst the players.

Tomlin said that Ben and WR Hines Ward had an extensive talk yesterday and he himself had a "productive" talk with Ward. He said that Ward assured him the matter was put to rest and that the team would be ready for Oakland.

Tomlin was asked if there is a chance that Ben could again have headaches this week once practice resumes tomorrow. Tomlin said that Ben went through workouts yesterday and this morning and thus far has not experienced any setbacks so he expects him to get medical clearance to play. He said he is comfortable with the three QBs currently on the roster but hinted they could bring in a veteran to backup Dixon if Ben can't go.

There was a lot of discussion about being 6-5 and losing three in a row and about the atmosphere in the locker room. Basically Tomlin said that a win or two is all that is needed to remedy the situation.

Injury situation:

Roethlisberger - expected to play

Kemo - limited in practice but optimistic he could play

Logan - injured ribs. limited in practice but expected to play

Mewelde Moore - slight swelling in ankle, not serious. May be limited in practice but expected to play

Travis Kirschke - has some discomfort and will be limited in practice. Hopeful that he can play

Polamalu - doubtful. Progressing well but is still a week or so away.

Charlie Batch -out. Surgery went well -- likely out 2 more weeks before he can resume practice with a soft cast.

 

[pantherclub]

See I just dont understand this. While the Steelers could still make the playoffs it probably is not likely. They have to have a lot of things go their way. So why rush back your franchise QB and risk further damage. He has had 4 in 4 years (including the monster shot 2 weeks ago) and he gets another one this year I doubt he will play again this season. Dixon played decent so why not roll him for another week? Just seems really dangerous to trot ben out there so soon.

 

[CrossEyed]

So, basically, Hines Ward needs to apologize and keep his mouth shut in the future.

 

[Godsbrother]

See I just dont understand this. While the Steelers could still make the playoffs it probably is not likely. They have to have a lot of things go their way. So why rush back your franchise QB and risk further damage. He has had 4 in 4 years (including the monster shot 2 weeks ago) and he gets another one this year I doubt he will play again this season. Dixon played decent so why not roll him for another week? Just seems really dangerous to trot ben out there so soon.

If he is injured then he shouldn't play but if he is medically cleared to play then there is no reason he shouldn't be playing. I also disagree about the Steelers playoff chances. They are very much in the thick of the wildcard race with 5 very winnable games, three of which are at home.

 

[Godsbrother]

So, basically, Hines Ward needs to apologize and keep his mouth shut in the future.

 

[MIMN]

This sounds just like last week. "Ben is good to go...until Saturday then he is out." Color me bitter.

 

[joffer]

good info, thx

 

[metoo]

See I just dont understand this. While the Steelers could still make the playoffs it probably is not likely. They have to have a lot of things go their way. So why rush back your franchise QB and risk further damage. He has had 4 in 4 years (including the monster shot 2 weeks ago) and he gets another one this year I doubt he will play again this season. Dixon played decent so why not roll him for another week? Just seems really dangerous to trot ben out there so soon.

Ben has had 4 concussions?

 

[Liquid Tension]

Tomlin was asked extensively about the situation with Ben. He said that Ben passed all his neuroligical tests on Monday and Tuesday and was cleared for practice on Wednesday. After practice on Wednesday he experienced some headaches but was told it was normal. He continued to practice on Thursday and Friday but still was experiencing headaches so Tomlin called the team doctor on Saturday morning. The doctor told Tomlin that Ben should not play. Tomlin then told Ben about the decision and said that "he was not happy".Tomlin said he called the doctor back and asked if Ben could serve as an emergency quarterback. He was told that Ben was not cleared to sustain any contact but if he had to use him "just to handoff in an emergency" then that would be okay.Tomlin said that "bad news travels fast" and by the time he was off the phone with the doctor the second time word was already spreading about the QB situation. He said that led to part of the part of miscommunication amongst the players.Tomlin said that Ben and WR Hines Ward had an extensive talk yesterday and he himself had a "productive" talk with Ward. He said that Ward assured him the matter was put to rest and that the team would be ready for Oakland.Tomlin was asked if there is a chance that Ben could again have headaches this week once practice resumes tomorrow. Tomlin said that Ben went through workouts yesterday and this morning and thus far has not experienced any setbacks so he expects him to get medical clearance to play. He said he is comfortable with the three QBs currently on the roster but hinted they could bring in a veteran to backup Dixon if Ben can't go.There was a lot of discussion about being 6-5 and losing three in a row and about the atmosphere in the locker room. Basically Tomlin said that a win or two is all that is needed to remedy the situation.Injury situation:Roethlisberger - expected to playKemo - limited in practice but optimistic he could playLogan - injured ribs. limited in practice but expected to playMewelde Moore - slight swelling in ankle, not serious. May be limited in practice but expected to playTravis Kirschke - has some discomfort and will be limited in practice. Hopeful that he can playPolamalu - doubtful. Progressing well but is still a week or so away.Charlie Batch -out. Surgery went well -- likely out 2 more weeks before he can resume practice with a soft cast.

Not a Pitt fan, but this type of info is excellent to bring to the board

 

[pecorino]

yes, good info, thanks.

steelers will go 4-1 down the stretch and get in as a 10-6 wildcard team.

 

[Go DC Yourself]

They should be able to put away Oakland and Cleveland with Ben only playing more than a little bit of one half of each game, then GB comes to town. I'm not counting on using him until the Bal. rematch.