Ben Roethlisberger’s MRI Reveals Sprain, Questionable for Sunday

The good news is that Ben Roethlisberger didn’t break his leg. The bad news is that he has a high ankle sprain. The injury is bad enough, however, that Big Ben’s starting spot next Sunday is questionable.

USA Today reports that Roethlisberger injured his ankle during the second quarter of the Browns game. Initial X-rays showed that there was no break and Roethlisberger returned to the game to lead the Steelers to their fourth consecutive victory.

After the game, Roethlisberger said:

“I thought my leg was broken, honestly. One of the most painful things I’ve ever felt. I didn’t want to feel that my foot was outside of my leg. The plan on my part was basically to give it one or two more plays and see how I could do it. It wasn’t for any other reason than to be out there for my guys.”

Roethlisberger underwent an MRI earlier today and according to Jason La Canfora of the NFL Network, the MRI confirmed that there was no break but that Roethlisberger suffered a high ankle sprain.

Coach Mike Tomlin said that after the doctor’s gave him the OK, there was no question that Roethlisberger would return to the game. Tomlin said:

“The doctors said he was OK to go. He wanted to go. We know what a competitor he is. We know his pain tolerance. We know what he’s capable of.”

NFL News reports that Roethlisberger will wear a walking boot this weekend and will be re-evaluated next week. A high ankle sprain typically sidelines a player for two weeks. Roethlisberger’s Thursday night game means that he has 10-days to recover.

Do you think Big Ben will play next week?