Steelers' Roethlisberger in concussion protocol
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters Tuesday that Ben Roethlisberger is in the league's protocol after suffering a concussion in Sunday's loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
Appearing on 93.7 The Fan earlier in the day, the veteran quarterback indicated that he avoided a concussion and was instead diagnosed with a "traumatic ocular migraine," according to Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Roethlisberger said he considers himself to be healthy after undergoing concussion tests at the team facility, adding that he should be available to practice Wednesday and doesn't see any issue that would prevent him from playing Sunday night against the Indianapolis Colts.
Starting the week in the league's protocol would suggest Roethlisberger indeed sustained a concussion, but the early optimism can likely be taken as a positive sign for his status in the days ahead.
Regardless of the diagnosis, Roethlisberger explained in the radio interview he knows he made the right decision in being cautious with a possible head injury.
Roethlisberger: "I feel like I made the right" decision. "I'll play through any injury but brain" injury is not one of them.
— Ed Bouchette (@EdBouchette) December 1, 2015
Roethlisberger's availability likely won't be determined until the end of the week, as he'll have to pass through each phase of testing to be cleared for game action.
The Steelers enter Week 13 in search of a win to regain possession of a wild-card spot in the AFC playoff race.