Larger text Larger text Smaller text Smaller text Print E-mail

Notebook: Roethlisberger's toes not broken, Cowher says

By Jerry DiPaola, TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Thursday, January 27, 2005
Get updates on Facebook
About the writer

Jerry DiPaola is the Tribune-Review high school sports editor. He can be reached via e-mail.

Ways to get us

Subscribe to our publications

Steelers coach Bill Cowher said Ben Roethlisberger does not have broken toes, no matter what his quarterback told reporters earlier in the week. Roethlisberger said he suffered broken toes late in the first half Sunday, but Cowher said Roethlisberger was making a reference to toes that were broken either in high school or college and aggravated while he was scrambling in the first half against the Patriots.

"He mentioned something to Ryan Grove , our assistant trainer," Cowher said. "He said that he thought he may have broken his toes. He came (off the field) and he was fine. He left here yesterday after the season-ending physical exam and he is fine. There is nothing really going to be done with it. It's nothing that a little bit of rest won't take care of."

  • Cowher said the fatigue that Roethlisberger felt is not unusual at the end of a season.

    "It's here for a lot of people. It's a long year for a rookie. You can ask anybody that has been in this business, it is a grind. To the kid's credit, he was out there and stayed focused. You are going on adrenaline this time of year."

  • Cowher said he hasn't watched the tape of the loss to the Patriots, but he will get around to it before too long. He added that he hopes the Patriots beat the Eagles in Super Bowl XXXIX.

    "I pull for the AFC. I always pull for the team that beat us."

  • Only two Steelers players were scheduled for surgical procedures this offseason. Backup tight end Matt Cushing had surgery on his wrist Tuesday. Backup running back Verron Hayes will have surgery on his knee. Linebacker Kendrell Bell was physically able to play against the Patriots, Cowher said, but Bell, who was recovering from a groin injury, was deactivated before the game.

  • Cowher said the team wants No. 2 quarterback Tommy Maddox, who is due a $750,000 salary next season, to return.

    "Tommy has been the consummate pro. He was outstanding, really, in his contributions to this football team and his contributions to the development of Ben and he is very much wanted back here. We will continue to talk and make sure he feels comfortable with what his role will be."


    More Steelers headlines

    Subscribe to the Tribune-Review today



    • Advertising Information | Advertiser List | About our ads