Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger: Undergoes knee surgery, no timetable for return

Head coach Mike Tomlin said in a written statement Monday that Roethlisberger has undergone arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, Bob Labriola of the Steelers' official site reports. Although Roethlisberger is "expected to make a full recovery," Tomlin added "we do not know a specific timetable for when he will be able to return to the field."

Analysis:

Roethlisberger is assured of at least one absence (this Sunday against the Patriots) before the Steelers' Week 8 bye, a span in which he'll focus on rest and rehabilitation. Notoriously tough to keep off the field, there's hope that he'll be able to return in Week 9 for a divisional matchup at Baltimore, according to Dale Lolley of the Observer-Reporter, but Tomlin's comments Monday run counter to such optimism. In any case, Landry Jones will direct the offense for at least one game (and perhaps more) as long as Roethlisberger is sidelined.