Ben Roethlisberger 'wouldn't mind getting hit' in Friday's preseason game
The Pittsburgh Steelers have taken a somewhat obscure approach to the preseason’s first two weeks. Their trio of offensive stars – Ben Roethlisberger, Le’Veon Bell and Antonio Brown – have yet to play a single snap this preseason while most teams have played their starters for at least a few series up to this point.
Given the explosiveness and talent of Pittsburgh’s offense, the three players don’t need much time together. That should change on Friday night when the Steelers take on the Saints in what’s viewed as a dress rehearsal for the season.
All three are expected to make their preseason debuts, but it remains to be seen how much they’ll play. As for Roethlisberger, he’s not just looking to throw touchdowns. He wants to get hit.
“I feel like I could go into the regular season and do it, but I’d like to be out there because it’s a different speed,” Roethlisberger said on Monday, via the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “You want to get out there. I wouldn’t even mind getting hit once maybe after the ball’s gone – just a little tap from someone.”
Roethlisberger hasn’t been hit all offseason, which means he’s gone about seven months since taking a shot from an NFL player. Playing in Friday’s game will give Roethlisberger that final tune-up before Week 1, which every player could undoubtedly use.
He and the rest of the starters will most likely be held out of the fourth preseason game in traditional fashion, so Friday will be the last time Roethlisberger can get his long-awaited hit on the field.
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