CMO praises Roethlisberger for self-reporting COVID symptoms

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NFL Chief Medical Officer praises Ben Roethlisberger for self-reporting COVID symptoms

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 11/17/21

Ben Roethlisberger has received a fair amount of praise from the public for his choice to report he had COVID-like symptoms prior to testing positive for the virus.

But he got his biggest pat on the back yet on Wednesday, as NFL Chief Medical Officer Dr. Allen Sills commended the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback for being transparent about his health.

On players such as #Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger, who self-reported COVID-19 symptoms, Dr. Allen Sills: “That’s a tough step to take and reflects a very mature, thoughtful leadership role. It’s what we encourage everybody to do.”
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 17, 2021

Sills' comments were made via conference call with Rapoport in which also pointed out that the number of positive cases across the league was at a season-high last week, which likely played a role in the NFL's decision to enhance COVID-19 safety protocols heading into the packed Thanksgiving week game schedule.

It still isn't clear if the Steelers will have Roethlisberger back on the field on Sunday night against the Los Angeles Chargers. Pittsburgh is looking to bounce back after last week's game against the winless Detroit Lions ended in a 16-16 tie.

Even if Roethlisberger returns, the Steelers will still be missing key parts of their lineup with linebacker T.J. Watt and cornerback Joe Haden sustaining injuries and free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick testing positive for COVID just this week.

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