The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is reporting that Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is healing faster from the motorcycle accident he had on June 5th than initially expected.
Roethlisberger is expected to start working out as early as next week by doing some light throwing to test his strength, awareness and mobility. These exercises will be his biggest tests to date in his rehabilitation process.
Even though this is an encouraging sign for Steelers fans and members of the organization, there still isn’t a specific date for Roethlisberger’s return.
While Mr. Roethlisberger is expected to be ready for the start of training camp July 28 and could conceivably be healthy enough to play in the second or third preseason game, Coach Bill Cowher and the team’s medical staff will closely monitor his condition and not play him until they are convinced he is ready to go.
The Steelers are prepared to keep Mr. Roethlisberger on the sidelines, even for the Sept. 7 season opener against the Miami Dolphins, until they are absolutely certain he can absorb hits to the head and function as he did last season.
Roethlisberger suffered an assortment of injuries when his motorcycle crashed into a car early last month. He broke his upper and lower jaw in four places, his nose and orbital bone were also broken, and he also had a nine-inch laceration in the back of his head.
Roethlisberger also broke most of his teeth while not wearing a helmet during the accident.
