Steelers Camp Blog: Ben’s arm is ‘bouncing back fast’
From our favorite camp blogger, Teresa Varley:
Ben’s arm bouncing back fast: When Ben Roethlisberger takes the field against the New York Giants on Sept. 14 at MetLife Stadium, it will almost be a year to the date that he last played in a game. Roethlisberger left the Steelers-Seahawks Sept. 15 game last season with an elbow injury that sidelined him for the year and forced him to have surgery.
But he has come back strong, maybe even stronger than ever. Roethlisberger has been throwing consistently in practice, even practicing three consecutive days last week, something that hasn’t been the norm for him.
“It’s felt really good,” said Roethlisberger. “For the last handful of years, we did the same routine with a full day, half day, off day. I even went three days in a row last week and it’s been feeling really good. I definitely need to give it some time to rest, that one day off every so often, out of general fatigue. But it’s amazing how fast it bounces back and feels great the next day.
“It wasn’t like I wasn’t able to make the throws, it was the pain and discomfort I’d feel or the next day. I feel really good making some of the deeper down-the-field throws. One of the practices last week I wasn’t able to step into it and I threw a go-route down the sideline. I let go of it and it felt short and it ended up making it there in stride. I was surprised at how my arm strength has come back, and maybe a little better than it was before.”
Offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner agrees that Roethlisberger’s arm looks strong and is keeping a close eye on him, including watching the extra time he spends throwing to guys after practice and so forth.
“I go up to him after practice and ask how he feels,” said Fichtner. “I like the idea from script standpoint, he hasn’t shied away from any deep opportunities. And we’ve taken several.
“The off day, half day have lined up perfectly for him to have time off and not miss work. Some of that hasn’t occurred because the off days are at the right time, right moment. We have to watch the extra reps that occur between the lines outside of […]
Bigger Than Ben – Part I
A little of this, a little of that
From Bob Labriola’s Q&A on Steelers.com:
You just have to know where to go!
MELVIN GIBBONS FROM WASILLA, AK: We’ve not seen anything on television about Ben Roethlisberger, and when do the Steelers play their first game?
BOB: If you’re looking for information on Ben Roethlisberger, I would suggest Steelers.com, where there are stories, videos, and Zoom interviews available that chronicle him and the team from the time training camp opened in late July. As of now, and things could change, the Steelers regular season opener is at 7:15 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 14 at the New York Giants.
All indications point to….
MARK O’MALLEY FROM MANTUA, OH: JuJu Smith-Schuster had a disappointing drop-off in production last year…I read he worked very hard in the offseason to gain strength and hand skills. Have you seen any indication in camp that JuJu might return to his former exciting player status?
BOB: I have seen some indications, yes. He’s wearing No. 7.
Notable quotes:
“I figured with the surgery he would come back a brand new person, and it’s definitely showing. He is throwing the ball great. He is doing everything great. In the scrimmage the other night it was nice to see the No. 7 jersey back out there.” – James Washington on Big Ben.
“The thing about Ben is he is so spontaneous. He has been doing it for so long. The experience he has, he is able to go into the game and do no-huddle and just call plays from the back of his head. Having him back is a plus for us.” – JuJu Smith-Schuster.
It’s a Throwback TUESDAY!
Backyard football with Big Ben. @_BigBen7 pic.twitter.com/DagYjbuQRq
— NFL Throwback (@nflthrowback) August 25, 2020
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No it’s…
Steelers photographer Karl Roser sees the team’s starting quarterback surveying the field during a day off – But Steeler Nation sees Super 7!!
*Thanks to @BigSteelerMood for this one! Lol!
Big Ben is ready
@_BigBen7 Tonight was fun. It’s amazing to have Pittsburgh Steelers football back. Not to mention having my guy Big Ben back! He looked happy & healthy.. #Steelers #HereWeGo #SteelersCamp
@_BigBen7 I need the elbow surgery that makes me look 15 yrs younger that he got!
@_BigBen7 looks the best he has his whole career I’m STOKED!
@_BigBen7 7 will bring us 7
The #Steelers GOAT! Have always loved @_BigBen7 since that Draft day 16yrs ago when he fell rite into our lap at #11.
@_BigBen7 yeah he’s back!!
It’s a Lil’ Fan Friday
“It is Adalynn’s 7th Birthday. She attended her first Steelers game last year, and is now a diehard fan of the Steelers and Big Ben!” — Alise Exley.
It’s only Tuesday…
@PittsburghPG @PGVisuals @PGSportsNow