Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger self-reported COVID symptoms before positive test

The Pittsburgh Steelers will be without quarterback Ben Roethlisberger for a Week 10 game against the Detroit Lions after he was placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list Saturday.

Roethlisberger, 39, said on the Dan Patrick Show earlier in November that he's vaccinated against the virus. League protocols say a vaccinated player must have two negative tests 24 hours apart to be removed from the list. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Roethlisberger landed on the list after self-reporting his symptoms to the Steelers.

With Roethlisberger out of action, Pittsburgh will turn to Mason Rudolph at quarterback. The former third-round pick started eight games for the Steelers in 2019 and led the team to a 5-3 record over that stretch with 13 touchdowns and nine interceptions. 

In 2020, his only start was in Week 17 while Roethlisberger was rested before a postseason appearance. Rudolph threw two touchdowns and one interception in a 24-22 loss to the Cleveland Browns.

Roethlisberger had a rough start to the season with four touchdowns and four interceptions over the Steelers' first four games. Pittsburgh bounced back from its 1-3 start to win four straight with Roethlisberger throwing six touchdowns and no interceptions over his last four games.

The Lions enter Week 10 with an 0-8 record and lost to the Philadelphia Eagles, 44-6, in their last outing.