Roethlisberger questionable

Besides losing two games in a row the Steelers are dealing with two injuries to their top two qbs. Charlie Batch relieved Ben Roethlisberger in the game against the Chiefs and broke his wrist. Big Ben left the game in overtime after being kneed in the while running away from pressure. People believe he had a concussion but the Steelers have not confirmed or denied the report. If Big Ben can not go third year player Dennis Dixon will make his first NFL start. Dixon is a running qb and would bring a different dimension to the Steelers offense. If he starts I would expect the Steelers to simplify their offense and even put plays in for Dixon to run with the ball. Do not be surprised to see the Steelers sign Jeff Garcia. An experienced qb who can win games.

For Big Ben this is his third head related injury and possibly his third concussion. The league is really making an effort to be careful with concussions. Commissioner Roger Goodell is in the process of having independent (of the team) brain specialists on the sidelines during all NFL games to clear players with head injuries. He is also making it mandatory that all players with concussions see these specialists to be cleared to play after a concussion.

Goodell is really focusing his attention to brain injuries and concussions in football. He is looking into making certain helmets mandatory for all football players to wear that would give them more padding. He has spoken to many people about this matter and I will not be surprised if he had a meeting about head injuries. Goodell is being extra cautious because he is becoming more aware of the long term effects of concussions and he wants to protect the players as much as possible.