Mike Tomlin: Ben Roethlisberger’s knees “weren’t a problem at all”; ‘No problem’ with the game plan of his absence

The Pittsburgh Steelers prepare to face the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday – and they plan to have a full or near-full deck when they take an in-depth visit tomorrow in preparation for the game, which head coach Mike Tomlin has confirmed. earlier today after Jay Glazer’s report. this information yesterday.

This full game (minus tight end Vance McDonald, of course) includes the expected activations of at least Reserve / Covid-19 quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and linebacker Vince Williams, if not also lineman Jerald Hawkins and the running back Jaylen Samuels, all of whom have been placed in reserve as McDonald’s high-risk close contacts, who have tested positive for the virus.

While on the reserve list, Roethlisberger and his company were of course not able to be in the building and physically work with their coaches and teammates, but they were allowed to be fully involved in the planning. of the game and the meetings, because all the meetings were held. virtually as part of the intensive protocols that are activated when there is a positive case.

Tomlin told reporters speaking after training that he did not anticipate Roethlisberger’s physical absence during the work week to be restrictive in any way from what they intended to do Sunday against the Bengals – and he also said his quarterback’s knees are fine, after getting banged on Sunday, acknowledging he was allowed to come to rehab.

“No problem with the game plan,” he said, adding that “his knees are fine. He’s been given all the rehab he needs throughout the week. To be honest with you, his knees are fine. were not at all a problem anyway. He was able to come back into the game and finish the game like I mentioned to you at the top of the week. “

Roethlisberger was struck awkwardly by several defensemen late in the first period Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys. Although he was a bit bumped, he continued the game. He left early for halftime after leading a touchdown, predicting they couldn’t get another possession, before the defense, of course, came in and got a takeout, leaving Mason Rudolph to end half-time.

But Roethlisberger was able to come back in the second half and led a comeback performance that saw the Steelers claim their eighth straight victory, keeping them top of the table not only in the AFC but throughout the NFL as the only remaining one. . undefeated team.

The Steelers are 8-0 and are already off to their best start in franchise history, and they can extend that with a 2-5-1 win over the Bengals on Sunday at Heinz Field.