Report: Ben Roethlisberger injured both knees; Steelers optimistic about his status | Launderer report

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger injured both knees in the team’s 24-19 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, but NFL Network Ian Rapoport said Monday that “there is cautious optimism” he will take the field this weekend against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Roethlisberger was hit by Neville Gallimore at half-time and headed for the locker room after throwing four more passes, including a touchdown pass. He returned to play after the break and ended up throwing for 306 yards and three touchdowns in the comeback victory.

Mason Rudolph filled in the few shots that Roethlisberger missed, completing two of three passes over three meters.

“Someone hit me right on the side of the knee,” Roethlisberger said (h / t Charean williams by Pro Football Talk). “I felt like my knee was bending a bit. Part of the soccer game. Guys get hit all the time. I have a bit of discomfort so we thought, end of the half, we’ll come in and watch it. ”

Roethlisberger played down the injury after the game, telling reporters he “would be fine” after the win, according to Jelani scott from NFL.com.

The Steelers trailed 13-9 at halftime, and the 17-year-old quarterback was good for 195 yards and two touchdowns to bring the team back and secure their perfect 8-0 record, as well as the 34th return from his career in the fourth quarter, according to Chris Adamski of Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

“I didn’t want to let my guys down,” Roethlisberger said. “I think so many times the line and the guys look at me on the sidelines, they’re like, ‘Alright Ben, we believe in you.’ I just don’t want to let them down. I want to give all I have and fight. I wish we didn’t have those comebacks in the fourth quarter. ”