Roethlisberger's Appendix Does Not Survive NFL Roster Cuts

Ben Roethlisberger had an emergency appendectomy today, leaving him out for the Steelers opener this Thursday against the Dolphins. Funny, I thought his liver would be the first to go.

The appendix didn't burst, say the doctors, and the surgery was a routine repair. During the surgery, doctors also took the precautionary step of affixing a little tiny helmet on Roethlisberger's appendix.

He'll be hospitalized until Monday. He may end up missing a few weeks of the season because of this, and Bill Cowher has already ruled him out for Week 1. That would leave the starting duties to Charlie Batch, and the back-up duties to... well, that would be wide receiver Cedric Wilson. I don't mean to point out the obvious to Steeler front office, but... you know, Jeff George just became available.

But at least the Steelers will still have their best wide receiv—actually, scratch that. Hines Ward is also listed as questionable. His status could be changed throughout the week, but if Batch is the starter, Ward might as well go ahead and sit this one out, as no football will be approaching a Steelers wide receiver anyway.

Surgery sidelines Roethlisberger for opener [Steelers.com] Steelers WR Ward questionable for season opener [ESPN.com]