What are the Steelers options if Ben Roethlisberger isn’t the same?

The Pittsburgh Steelers are relying on Ben Roethlisberger to be the player he was before the elbow injury. What are their opinions if he’s not?

The 2019 season was more than disappointing for the Pittsburgh Steelers. It’s not that an 8-8 season couldn’t have been expected while dealing with backup quarterbacks, rather, knowing there was another season waisted in a Super Bowl window.

Eventually, all good things must come to an end, and the Steelers have been riding on top of the league as long as any team not named the New England Patriots. Pittsburgh’s last losing sesaon came all the way back in 2003 before Mike Tomlin became head coach. It’s not a coincidence that the losing stopped when Ben Roethlisberger joined the team.

After 16 seasons with the team, Roethlisberger has boasted a career record of 144-71-1 with the Steelers, according to Pro Football Reference. Unfortunately, the end of his professional career is nearing its end. This begs the question: What if Ben Roethlisberger just isn’t the same this year?

Though all signs seem to point to the healthy return of Big Ben in 2020, We don’t know if or when a setback could take place. If this happens or if Ben just can’t sling the ball like he used to, what are Pittsburgh’s options at quarterback?

Steelers options if Ben isn’t the same

Because of all he has done for the franchise, Roethlisberger will be given every opportunity to ride out the season – even if he is really struggling. Under no circumstances are the Steelers about to bench the face of their franchise and the future Hall-of-Famer. Because of this, Ben would likely have to step away on his own terms if he realizes he doesn’t have it anymore.

A much more realistic scenario, however, is that Roethlisberger goes down with an injury at some point this season. Ben played in each regular sesaon game just 4 of 16 times throughout his NFL career, and the odds are stacked against him finishing a full season again.

If Pittsburgh is forced to look for another passer in 2020, their options are currently very limited. Kevin Colbert made it a point to emphasize this offseason that they feel comfortable with Mason Rudolph as the backup. However, his struggles in 2019 were more than a little concerning as he finished the season with just 1,765 yards in 10 games to go with 13 touchdowns and 9 interceptions.

Behind him, Devlin Hodges still is the best bet at winning the number three quarterback job – assuming the Steelers roster three passers this season. Former Broncos first-round pick, Paxton Lynch, is also in the mix.

Realistically, if Roethlisberger just isn’t the same in 2020, then the Steelers are fresh out of legitimate options. Pittsburgh elected to ignore cheap players like Jameis Winston and Cam Newton this offseason – clearly betting on Roethlisberger’s health and recovery this year. Let’s hope he’s still the same passer he was before his season-ending elbow injury.