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Tomlin taking Roethlisberger's retirement comments 'seriously'

Geoff Burke / USA TODAY Sports

Ben Roethlisberger threw his playing future in doubt Tuesday morning, refusing to say for sure whether he's planning to return for a 14th season in 2017.

The 34-year Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback said he'd "consider his options" and evaluate them with his family, pointing to health concerns that come with playing at this stage of his career.

Asked about his quarterback's comments in a press conference Tuesday, head coach Mike Tomlin said he's taking them "seriously."

"He said it, so you do take it seriously," Tomlin said. "It's a fair assessment of where he is in his career. I'm not alarmed or surprised by it, that's football. Obviously, I'm hopeful he returns."

The head coach added that this isn't the first time Roethlisberger has hinted about retirement plans, but said they've yet to meet to evaluate the season.

Tomlin was also asked about a report that star wide receiver Antonio Brown was upset following the Steelers' first touchdown in Sunday's loss to the New England Patriots.

Brown reportedly pouted after not receiving the ball, but Tomlin said he wasn't aware of the incident.

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