Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger reportedly has a mid-foot sprain and is expected to miss "a few weeks", according to ESPN reporter Adam Schefter.
The Steelers quarterback has no definitive timetable for a return, as it will depend on how he responds to treatment, according to NFL reporter Albert Breer. Roethlisberger suffered the injury after being sacked by Oakland Raiders linebacker Aldon Smith during week nine.
The Steelers initially thought Roethlisberger suffered a Lisfranc injury to his left foot, but were relieved to find out their star quarterback will only miss a few weeks, according ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Roethlisberger had thrown for 334 yards and two touchdowns before the injury. Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown had a franchise-record day with 17 catches for 284 yards on Sunday, but knows how important Roethlisberger is to this team.
"Ben is our franchise quarterback," said Brown, via Fowler. "We live and die with him. Hopefully he can be with us." Landry Jones stepped in for the injured Roethlisberger, and threw for 79 yards on six passing attempts. The Steelers will need Jones to step up the next few games, as Pittsburgh is fighting for a playoff spot. The Steelers face the Cleveland Browns next Sunday, and expect a heavy run game from Pittsburgh without Roethlisberger.
The Steelers improved to 5-4 on the season Sunday with the win over the Raiders, but still have the Seahawks, Colts, Broncos, and Bengals left on their schedule. The Steelers will continue to contend for a playoff spot as their star quarterback tries to get healthy.
