Mike Tomlin Says Ben Roethlisberger Could Return for Steelers vs. Chargers, Planning for Mason Rudolph
PITTSBURGH — Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said that quarterback Ben Roethlisberger could clear the NFL’s COVID-19 protocol in time to play Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers, but the team is moving forward in planning to have Mason Rudolph start once again.
“We’re going to build our plan around getting Mason ready to play,” Tomlin said. “We’re going to highlight his talents and skills relative to the opponent we’re preparing to play.”
Roethlisberger, who Tomlin confirmed on Sunday was dealing with COVID-19 symptoms, would have to be asymptomatic for 48 hours and then have consecutive negative tests separated by 24 hours before returning.
Tomlin highlighted Roethlisberger’s experience in being able to play without a full week of practice as a reason that he could play, even with a limited week.
“We’ve been in circumstances with Ben in the past when he’s been less available during the course of the week,” Tomlin said. “If we get to a point in the week where Ben has the capability to get on a moving train, that’s what we’ll do.”
The Steelers added quarterback James Morgan to the practice squad on Monday, which Tomlin said will allow Rudolph and backup Dwayne Haskins to focus solely on the Pittsburgh game plan.
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