The Pittsburgh Steelers dropped a crucial game versus the Oakland Raiders in Week 14. As a result, questions have been raised regarding what had kept quarterback Ben Roethlisberger out of the game for so long.
Roethlisberger exited the game after suffering a rib injury in the first half. It appears that his return was delayed by an old X-ray machine, via CBS Pittsburgh:
“The X-ray was inconclusive because the machine was old,” Roethlisberger said.
Roethlisberger suffered a hit in the closing minutes of the first half. It was evident that he was shaken up a bit and was then replaced by backup quarterback Josh Dobbs. The veteran returned to the sidelines in the third quarter, however, he did not go back into the game.
To no surprise, Dobbs struggled to get anything going on offense. He completed 4-of-9 passes for 24 yards and an interception. Roethlisberger was finally able to make his return to the game. Unfortunately, it proved to be too little, too late as Oakland pulled out a 24-21 victory. It is easy to see why the outcome may have been different if Roethlisberger got back in earlier. He was in the midst of a fantastic day and even picked up where he left off upon his return. He was extremely efficient after completing 25-of-29 passes for 282 yards and two touchdowns.
Regardless, the prospect of faulty equipment causing Roethlisberger's delayed return is still not a good look for the Steelers. The issue could not have come at a worse time with every game essentially being a must-win for Pittsburgh. They will now have to find a way to pull out wins against the New England Patriots and New Orleans Saints over the next two weeks.
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