Roethlisberger Gets Four Instead of Six

Four games it is. On Friday, Commissioner Roger Goodell reduced quarterback Ben Roethlisberger’s suspension from six games to four games. Roethlisberger will be able to return the team in time for the Steelers’ Week Six matchup against the Cleveland Browns on October 17th at Heinz Field.

Back in April, Commissioner Goodell suspended Roethlisberger six games for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. The suspension was conditional, meaning that it could be reduced, depending on Roethlisberger’s behavior and cooperation. Goodell obviously feels that the quarterback has fully complied with the terms of the suspension, thereby reducing it.

While the length of Roethlisberger’s suspension is now clear, the team’s quarterback situation is not. Byron Leftwich, who was the leading candidate to be the starter during Roethlisberger’s absence, sprained his MCL in Thursday night’s preseason game against Carolina. With Leftwich out three to four weeks, the Steelers must now choose between longtime veteran Charlie Batch, or the young Dennis Dixon.

By M.C. Smith