Steelers to Rest QB Ben Roethlisberger in Week 17 Against Browns

Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger in 2017. Photo by Trask Smith/CSM/REX/Shutterstock

With a playoff spot already in the bag, the Pittsburgh Steelers decided to give their quarterback Ben Roethlisberger some rest in their Week 17 divisional matchup against the Cleveland Browns.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin told the media on Tuesday that Roethlisberger will sit the last game of the regular season, with backup Mason Rudolph taking his place under center.

Roethlisberger has enjoyed a productive season in 2020 after missing most of last season with a shoulder injury. He completed 65.6 percent of his passes in the past 15 games while throwing for 3,804 yards, 33 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.

The 38-year-old quarterback has been struggling with some minor issues lately, and some extra rest might prove helpful in the postseason.

Tomlin added that more starters could sit out as well but that it wouldn’t change his team’s approach.

“It does not change our intentions, in terms of going to Cleveland this weekend,” Tomlin explained. “Football is our game. Our job is winning. We intend to do our job.”

This is great news for the Cleveland Browns as they will most likely have an easier job in Week 17. The Browns need a win against the Steelers if they want to make the playoffs and end their 17-year postseason drought.