Roethlisberger in walking boot after Dolphins game, says he'll play next week
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger attended his postgame press conference in a walking boot following the Pittsburgh Steelers' 30-12 win over the Miami Dolphins in Sunday's wild-card round.
#Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger didn't leave the win over #Dolphins unscathed. He left Heinz Field with a boot on his right leg. pic.twitter.com/bYmrUSbCi8
— James Walker (@JamesWalkerNFL) January 8, 2017
Roethlisberger said he hurt his ankle but vowed to play next week against the Kansas City Chiefs, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.
Roethlisberger remained in the blowout win late in the fourth quarter and winced after taking a low hit on the Steelers' last pass attempt. On the play, his right ankle got rolled under Dolphins pass-rusher Cameron Wake.
The fourth-quarter play on his last pass attempt in which Ben Roethlisberger was hurt, via @EthanHesse. pic.twitter.com/Eril81qHeY
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 8, 2017
He returned to the field for a game-ending kneel-down.
Roethlisberger has a long history of playing hurt, so it's hard to imagine him sitting out the divisional round. Nonetheless, the fact his coaches allowed him to be on the field at that stage of the game is sure to generate plenty of controversy this week.