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Roethlisberger spends the weekend at clinic as Steelers QB derby begins

Odds & News | Webmaster ( Wed 5th, May 2010 )

Ben Roethlisberger spent the weekend in a hospital being assessed by order of Roger Goodell, the commissioner of the NFL.

Meanwhile, 3 quarterbacks jockeyed during the Steelers' minicamp to take his position for at least the first 4 and possibly 6 games of this upcoming season.

Roethlisberger's behavioral evaluation will take "days" rather than weeks as per Steelers' source. Depending on how the experts' valuation goes, he could either come back to the team or be asked to go back to the clinic for more valuation.

Goodell, who gave the suspension two weeks ago, ordered Roethlisberger to stay away from the Steelers' South Side facility until his ordered valuation is finished. Once its done, he may come back to the team for its training camp. The Steelers don't know when Roethlisberger will return to the team and begin working out. Mike Tomlin, head coach, ended a 3 day mandatory minicamp with a small workout on Sunday, although it turned out to be costly when wide receiver, Limas Sweed, came out with an torn achilles tendon in his left foot.

Players will recommence working out and lifting weights, but Tomlin plans on having a practice on May 18th as part of the permitted 14 pre-arranged team events. If Roethlisberger's valuation is finished then he can rejoin the team for that practice.

"I've talked to him," Tomlin said. "I'll keep on talking to him, and I do not have a crystal ball to know when he will be back at the facility. There are many things that he is required to do and of course the ruling of the NFL Commissioner."

Otherwise, Tomlin will have to select 1 of the 3 quarterbacks to begin the 2010 season at Roethlisberger's position. Byron Leftwich took snaps with the first team for all 5 minicamp practices, with Dennis Dixon 2nd and Charlie Batch 3rd.

Tomlin said all 3 are competing but added he began with Byron Leftwich because it was his first practice with them after playing with Tampa Bay last season.

"I am required to provide him with as many chances to reacquaint himself to these surroundings," Tomlin said. "The other players will be given their chance, no problem."

"Byron is an energetic player. He's reacquainted himself to our situation rather rapidly; interacting with other players on the team. He is doing a good job, as are the other players. We have a long process in place for the rest of the offseason. We are looking forward to watching these players work and get in rhythm with the receivers and so forth, and producing."

At some point, Tomlin will have to select a quarterback to start the season. "There will be a moment, but it will not be a moment any time soon," he said, "There is no time limit for it to be decided. The point of the offseason is to train. Pre-arranged team events are now here and they are for training."

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