Pittsburgh Steelers roster news: Ben Roethlisberger sustains concussion in defeat to Seahawks

Ben Roethlisberger in 2009.Wikimedia Commons/Jeffrey Beall

For the second time this season, Pittsburgh Steelers franchise quarterback Ben Roethlisberger had a major injury after suffering a concussion in their 39–30 loss to the Seattle Seahawks last Sunday. 

According to ESPN, Roethlisberger was diagnosed with a concussion after leaving in the fourth quarter of Sunday's game. 

The report added that Roethlisberger was placed in the National Football League's (NFL) concussion protocol program but the "symptoms subsided quickly and he feels better."

Before leaving the game, the 33-year-old veteran passer completed 36-of-55 passes for 456 yards and one touchdown, also throwing two interceptions and was sacked twice. 

Following his departure from the game in the final quarter, replacing Roethlisberger was backup quarterback Landry Jones who had one completion for 34 yards, throwing two interceptions. 

There is no update yet regarding Roethlisberger's playing status as the Steelers aim to bounce back from Sunday's setback to the Seahawks. 

In seven games played this season, Roethlisberger has 177 completions for 2,343 yards and 11 touchdowns, also throwing nine interceptions. 

If the veteran quarterback will be unable to play in their next game/s, likely stepping up for him are Jones or Michael Vick.

Both Jones and Vick has started for the Steelers this season in Roethlisberger's absence and they can certainly fill in for him if he will not be cleared to play. 

The Steelers are currently second in the American Football Conference (AFC) North with a 6–5 record, just below the division-leading Cincinnati Bengals (9–2), and above the Baltimore Ravens (4–7) and the Cleveland Browns (2–9). 

Up next for the Steelers is a matchup with the Indianapolis Colts this Sunday for Week 13 action. 

Following their game against Indianapolis, Pittsburgh still have four games in their regular season schedule against the Bengals, Denver Broncos, Ravens, and the Browns. 

The Steelers are aiming to make back-to-back appearances in the playoffs after reaching it last season but getting eliminated by Baltimore in the Wild Card Playoffs.