Steelers-Browns weather update

Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger (elbow) said he got a "good report" from doctors on Friday but is still 2-3 months away from full clearance. Even the long end of that timeline would have him ready to go by the end of May. He resumed throwing over the weekend. Turning 38 in March and coming off major elbow surgery, Roethlisberger is obviously a big question mark heading into 2020. But anything he can give the Steelers figures to be an upgrade over last year's QB play.

Steelers HC Mike Tomlin said Monday that he has "no hesitation" in believing QB Ben Roethlisberger will be under center come Week 1. Big Ben underwent surgery to repair 3 tendons in his throwing elbow in late September. We haven't heard much on his rehab, but he's reportedly scheduled for a checkup later this month. Pittsburgh's passing game went in the tank without Roethlisberger last year. His return would make WR JuJu Smith-Schuster an obvious bounce-back candidate -- and raise the ceilings on WRs Diontae Johnson and James Washington.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger does not need Tommy John surgery and "will be fine for next season." Big Ben is slated to undergo elbow surgery this coming week, but "no one is concerned that next year is going to be a problem," a source told Schefter. Roethlisberger is signed with Pittsburgh through the 2021 season and has said that he plans to honor that contract. He turns 38 in March.

Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger needs surgery on his right elbow and will miss the rest of the 2019 season, HC Mike Tomlin announced Monday. We'll look for more details on the injury, but it's fair to wonder if this is the end for the 37-year-old Roethlisberger. It'll be Mason Rudolph under center for Pittsburgh the rest of this season. The 2018 3rd-rounder posted a 65% completion rate, 8.6 yards per attempt and 4 TDs vs. 1 INT this preseason. And he played well in relief of Big Ben vs. Seattle, completing 12 of 19 passes for 112 yards and 2 scores. Rudolph looks capable of at least keeping WR JuJu Smith-Schuster -- and potentially TE Vance McDonald -- afloat. It's also worth noting that he played his college ball with fellow Steeler James Washington. We'll see if they can rekindle some magic.

A decision on whether Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger needs surgery on his throwing elbow is expected to come on Monday, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports. "Roethlisberger wants to avoid it all costs, but ultimately doctors will decide whether that’s possible," Schefter adds. Surgery would figure to knock Big Ben out for an extended period. Stay tuned.