Roethlisberger sustained pectoral injury in Week 2 loss

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger sustained pectoral injury in loss to Raiders

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 9/21/21

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger sustained a left pectoral injury in Pittsburgh's Week 2 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, head coach Mike Tomlin announced Tuesday.

Tomlin acknowledged that the injury will impact Roethlisberger's preparation for a Week 3 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.

#Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger has a left pec injury. Coach Mike Tomlin says it will affect his preparation ability - and "We'd better be ready to be adjustable."
— Aditi Kinkhabwala (@AKinkhabwala) September 21, 2021

Roethlisberger was sacked twice and hit 10 times during Sunday's 26-17 loss to the Raiders. He was also sacked twice in Pittsburgh's Week 1 win over the Buffalo Bills.

Tomlin added that although the veteran signal-caller has been hit many times, he doesn't intend to make changes to the team's already-revamped offensive line.

Despite the pectoral injury, Roethlisberger went 27-of-40 for 295 yards with a touchdown and an interception against the Raiders. Through two weeks, he has completed 62.5% of his passes for 483 yards and two touchdowns against a pick.

If Roethlisberger is unable to start against the Bengals, Mason Rudolph would be the next man up. Rudolph is 5-4 as a starter and 2-0 against the Bengals. The Steelers are also carrying Dwayne Haskins and Josh Dobbs.

Pittsburgh is dealing with several injuries in addition to Roethlisberger, including Joe Haden, Devin Bush, T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, who all are dealing with groin injuries, and Diontae Johnson (knee) and Tyson Alualu (fractured ankle).

Erin Walsh is a Boston sports fan through and through. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Bridgewater State University and currently is in pursuit of her Master's Degree in Journalism from Northeastern University. Follow her on Twitter @ewalsh90.

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