Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger: Needs surgery for torn meniscus

Roethlisberger (knee) has been diagnosed with a torn meniscus and will undergo surgery Monday, Ron Cook of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

Analysis:

There's no initial estimate for Roethlisberger's return, as the timetable will likely depend on what his doctors see when they get a closer look during surgery. He'll have his meniscus trimmed rather than repaired, potentially allowing for a return within a few weeks, whereas the full repair could be season-ending. Roethlisberger will give way to backup QB Landry Jones for Week 7 against New England, but it's possible a multi-game absence can be avoided, as the Steelers have a conveniently timed Week 8 bye, Ron Cook of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. Given the massive drop-off between Roethlisberger and Jones -- as witnessed repeatedly last season -- all of Pittsburgh's key skill positions players will get a sizable temporary downgrade.