Tomlin: Ben Roethlisberger’s Subpar Play ‘Not Injury Related’

CINCINNATI — Ben Roethlisberger had one of the worst halves of football in his career on Monday night.

In the first 30 minutes of what became a 27-17 loss to the moribund Cincinnati Bengals, Roethlisberger threw the ball 16 times for 19 yards, was sacked once to lose 12 yards, fumbled once and was intercepted. 

The offense failed to score and spotted Cincinnati three short fields as the Bengals built a 17-0 lead.

Roethlisberger came back to life in the second half, leading Pittsburgh on a pair of touchdown drives before the comeback effort fell short in the end.

“I would say that I’m not consistent enough, which effects the offense because the ball is in my hand every play,” Roethlisberger summarized after the game.

But what he isn’t is hurt, according to head coach Mike Tomlin.

“It’s not injury related, it just wasn’t good enough, like all of us, me included,” Tomlin said. “We’ve got to be better.”

Roethlisberger was less direct when asked about his health, saying that nobody is fully healthy at this point in the season, but failing to discuss how he might be in less than optimal condition.

“I don’t think anybody that plays this game, at any position, whether it’s Week 1 or Week 16 feels 100%, so no, I would say that I don’t feel 100%, but nobody does right now.”