PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Is it another clue that Ben Roethlisberger is done after this season? For the first time in his career Sunday, his entire family came to one of his road games.
CBS Sports Tracy Wolfson reported that Roethlisberger had them there partially because it’s the holidays. Also, though, because Roethlisberger is soaking up his remaining time in the NFL, although not specifying this is his last season.
Roethlisberger would finish the game 23-35 for 159 yards, a touchdown, an interception and a fumble.
Injuries
Tomlin said center Kendrick Green left the game in the second half because of a calf injury, not due to ineffectiveness. Guard Trai Turner suffered a knee injury, no more information to the severity. Linebacker TJ Watt missed a few snaps and it was reported before the game he is dealing with broken ribs.
“Just some minor things I’m trying to get through,” Watt said.
“He’s dealing with a minor injury that wasn’t going to limit his play or prevent him from playing in any way,” Tomlin said.
So no confirmation of broken ribs, nor a denial.
Harris Tough
While not having much room to run, Najee Harris did rush for 93 yards on 19 carries including a rare gain of over 20 yards, 21 to be exact. The rookie has 984 yards rushing on the season. The Steelers rookie rushing record is 1,055 yards set by Franco Harris in 1972 in 14 games.
Harris said he just wants improvement as a team and better execution as a team.
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Punter Production
Corliss Waitman signed officially on Christmas Day and punted two times-the first 58 yards and the second 63 yards.
Rookie Pressley Harvin out due to the death of his father, the team signed a pair of punters and made Waitman active on Sunday. Waitman was on the Patriots practice squad after spending last season on the Steelers practice squad. The 26-year-old was with the Steelers until released on May 3, signed with Las Vegas in training camp and then by New England on November 23.
Waitman appeared in 38 games in college, averaged 45.2 yards a kick on 70 punts at South Alabama as a junior.
Inactives
Along with Harvin out, Steelers knew going into the game they would be without tight end Pat Freiermuth (concussion), defensive lineman Chris Wormley (groin) and linebacker Buddy Johnson (foot).
Five were out due to being on the reserve/COVID-19 list—linebackers Devin Bush and Marcus Allen, tackle Zach Banner, running back Anthony McFarland and defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs.
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Up Next
The regular-season home finale hosting Cleveland on Monday night, January 3 in what could be Roethlisberger’s final game at Heinz Field.