:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47764845/usa-today-8963319.0.jpg)
The Indianapolis Colts, riding a three-game winning streak, will travel to Pittsburgh for an early December matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday Night Football. One of the storylines that we'll be monitoring this week is the status of Steelers star quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who is in the NFL's concussion protocol.
#Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger is going thru the NFL's concussion protocol. He is headed to the locker room for evaluation.
— Burt Lauten (@SteelersPRBurt) November 30, 2015
Ben Roethlisberger self-reported his concussion, he had symptoms and that's when Steelers took him into concussion protocol.
— Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) November 30, 2015
Roethlisberger left late in Sunday's loss to the Seattle Seahawks with concussion-like symptoms, but that's about all we know at this point. It doesn't sound particularly serious, but with the concussion protocol it's pretty clear-cut on when the player will be able to return, and different players react differently. At this point we should assume that Roethlisberger will play next week, but the injury is absolutely worth monitoring as he goes through the concussion protocol. Depending on the circumstances, his status for next Sunday's game could be in doubt.
It has been an up and down season for the Steelers this year, but Roethlisberger has been very good, like normal. He has completed 66.8% of his passes for 1,887 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions for a passer rating of 97.0. He has thrown for 300+ yards in five of his seven games this year, including 456 on Sunday against the Seahawks. Last year, Roethlisberger tied for the league-lead with 4,952 passing yards while adding 32 touchdowns and 9 interceptions.
Other injuries worth keeping an eye on for Pittsburgh are the injuries to tight end Heath Miller (ribs) and linebacker Ryan Shazier (concussion), both of whom were injured during Sunday's loss as well.
UPDATE: It sounds like Roethlisberger didn't suffer a concussion (according to Bleacher Report's Jason Cole) and will be cleared of the concussion protocol, meaning he'll be good to go for next week.
Told by a source that #Steelers Roethlisberger expected to be cleared in concussion protocol. No concussion.
— Jason Cole (@JasonColeBR) November 30, 2015