Roethlisberger won't play Thursday

Roethlisberger won't play Thursday

By Jason Cole and John Murphy
September 3, 2006
Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will not start the season opener against Miami on Thursday night after having an emergency appendectomy on Sunday afternoon.

Steelers spokesman Dave Lockett confirmed the surgery and said that Pittsburgh coach Bill Cowher has already announced that backup Charlie Batch will start. Roethlisberger, who could be discharged as early as today, is considered week-to-week.

Roethlisberger told the Steelers medical staff that he has been up all night vomiting and had stomach pain when he came to the training facility Sunday morning. The staff put him through a short examination and quickly sent him to the hospital.

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A doctor who did not wish to be identified because he is unfamiliar with Roethlisberger’s condition said it generally takes two or three days before an average person is released from the hospital after an appendectomy.

The surgery rarely has any long-term side effects, meaning that Roethlisberger should be able to play relatively soon.

One concern is a patient losing weight and strength in the short-term. Roethlisberger had already lost approximately 20 pounds after a motorcycle accident he suffered June 12.

Roethlisberger was told he nearly died in the crash, but made a quick recovery despite several head injuries because he wasn’t wearing a helmet.

Roethlisberger recovered quickly enough after the accident that he was able to play in the exhibition opener for the Steelers.

Glad I didn't draft him last night!

On a serious note, you've got to hope that his medical concerns clear up sometime soon. First the bike, now this. Could be a rough season for Big Ben.

Ben is having some bad luck this year. I'll bet he is losing that invincible feeling about now.

I heard today he had an orthoscopic appendectomy and might be ready in as little as 2 or 3 weeks...

Amazing.

RnD

GO RAMS!!

My sister had her gall bladder removed and they cut four small holes in her to do the operation. They stick a little camera in and they don't need to cut you open anymore. It took her a while to recover. 2-3 weeks sounds really short to me.