PITTSBURGH -- Ben Roethlisberger addressed the media today, and he explained some of the symptoms that are typical for an MCL sprain and bone bruise. The MCL is a stability issue, the bone bruise is a pain issue. How those two factors heal will determine whether the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback can return by Nov. 1 for the divisional matchup with the surging Bengals. Roethlisberger thought he had broken his leg, but the bone bruise was causing that pain.
"Drinking my milk, trying to get back as fast as I can," Roethlisberger said.
He'll need to move aggressively through rehab to do just that. Regaining side-to-side movements will take time. And the bone bruise complicates matters.
Those are all things to learn from ESPN injury analyst Stephania Bell, who took a few questions about what Roethlisberger might be dealing with in the coming weeks. Bell was helpful with details on the process. Here she is:
What is the biggest challenge Ben faces in his rehab?
Bell: The nuances of the injury will dictate what is the most challenging aspect of rehab. MCL injuries are not all identical. Beyond the severity of the sprain, there is also the matter of where along the ligament the injury is. In some cases, pain and stiffness are more significant and the athlete needs to be moved aggressively through rehab. In others, the concern is getting full healing. The key then is protecting the injured area to allow the ligament to scar down. As healing permits, the athlete can be progressed through normal rehab.
What is the biggest factor in determining a timetable for return?
Bell: Timetable will be dictated by relief of symptoms, return of strength and functionality. As pain improves, the athlete will have an easier time with motion and with functional progression. Roethlisberger has to be able to make all necessary movements to perform effectively and to protect himself. Side-to-side movements are typically more challenging and can be the slowest for an athlete to regain confidence.
Why is the bone bruise an important part of this?
Bell: Bone bruises aren’t insignificant. They can be symptomatic for 3-4 weeks, but often take longer to completely resolve. In order to avoid progression of the injury which could lead to arthritic changes in the joint, it’s important to eliminate swelling and restore normal range of motion and strength.
What does this mean for his ability to plant and throw? Is he going to be affected early on?
Bell: His ability to plant depends on the stability and strength in his knee (all of which goes back to making sure he does all of the above prior to returning). If he is given the time to properly recover and rehab, there shouldn’t be lingering physical effects. One of the harder aspects of returning may be feeling confident in a collapsing pocket when players are falling around your knee. This injury happened to Ben when a player landed against the outer aspect of his knee, forcing his knee sharply inward and placing stress on the MCL. He has to get past the memory of that to return to playing normally, without apprehension.
This isn’t Ben’s first injury and he knows the medical staff well. There will no doubt be ongoing dialogue between them as to how much he can/should push along the course of his rehab, and when it will be appropriate to resume football activity.
