Steelers Protocol, Bell Was Ready, Ben Hopeful
By Kim Myers
Steelers season never truly ends here at Still Curtain. While the Pittsburgh Steelers are closing the book on the 2014 season we’ll be busy looking for mentions of your Black & Gold so we’ve got you covered. Here’s your Steelers Morning Huddle for Wednesday, Jan. 7th.
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Steelers followed proper concussion protocol
During the 30-17 loss to the Baltimore Ravens the Steelers had two key players exit the game following hard hits. Ben Roethlisberger and Heath Miller both exited and quickly returned to last Saturday night’s game, prompting speculation on whether or not the Steelers sidelines followed the NFL’s protocol for dealing with potential head injuries during the game.
As ESPN’s Scott Brown explains, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin took offense to the notion that the Steelers didn’t follow the proper protocol and rushed the players back into the game.
"“I assure you that proper protocol was followed. That’s not how we do business. I have no reservations or hesitation in that regard, and I really take offense to the assumption that we would put those guys in harm’s way.” – Mike Tomlin"
Bell would have been ready this weekend
Teresa Varley caught up with Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell as players were at the facilities for their season-ending exit interviews this week. Bell sat out of the Wild Card loss to Baltimore due to a knee injury he sustained in the regular season finale against the Bengals. He told Varley that he would have been able to play this weekend, if the Steelers would have won and advanced to the divisional round of the playoffs.
"“I would have been ready this week. That was the goal. We were thinking get right for this week. We didn’t get the win so it doesn’t matter. I think I would have been able to play. It was unfortunate we lost the game. I feel terrible about it.” – Le’Veon Bell"
Ben Hopeful for Contract Extension
Ben Roethlisberger sat down for the last time this season with The Cook and Poni Show on 93.7 The Fan. Ben talked about his disappointment in the loss to Baltimore but his positive outlook on the 2014 season as a whole. He also spoke about his desires to remain in Pittsburgh and get an extension signed soon.
"“This is as healthy exiting a season as I’ve felt. I felt as healthy throughout the season just because of the offseason work I put in last offseason and I plan on doing that again this year. I feel great. I felt great all year, and we’ll continue to do that. Ultimately, it’s up to the representation and the Rooney family to do something hopefully this offseason and hopefully sooner than later because I love being here with this family.” – Ben Roethlisberger"