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Injury Breakdown: Ben Roethlisberger Plays Through Pain

By Abby Sims
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Though I can't honestly say it was smart for him to play yesterday, Ben Roethlisberger certainly did play smart. Throwing for touchdowns on their first three possessions, and tying a Steelers' record with five TDs overall, Big Ben came through probably even beyond his own expectations.

With his sprained and contused foot protected as well it could be, and in a shoe one size larger to accommodate that protection, Roethlisberger somehow overcame his pain and limitations. TV commentators said Roethlisberger had been reluctant to have injections, fearing that his sensation would be so reduced or his toes so numbed that he might not be able to function effectively.  I would have been even more concerned that by masking his symptoms, Roethlisberger might have exacerbated his injury without knowing the extent of the damage he was causing, thereby enabling him to push through. That still might be the case, however, even without an injection.  The competitive nature of the man and his sport, peaking adrenaline and living in the moment all can contribute to pushing limits beyond their bounds.

Roethlisberger changed up his game to enhance his success and minimize the stress on his foot at least somewhat. He went to a shorter passing game, changing up the routes, and he threw off a flatter foot.  He dropped back and released or handed off the ball quickly, avoiding contact, and ran only when he had to.  How can we judge, it worked.  However, I wouldn't be surprised if he is on crutches and non-weight bearing today to ease the load. The Steelers' staff can treat Roethlisberger's contusion and sprain all day, every day between games, but there is only so much that can be done to accelerate healing. The body has it's own time clock.

Follow Abby on twitter.com/@abcsims

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