Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger has arthroscopic knee surgery

Monday, October 17, 2016

Ben Roethlisberger had arthroscopic knee surgery on his left knee Monday morning, but the Pittsburgh Steelers are uncertain when their star quarterback will return.

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin announced in a statement Monday afternoon that Roethlisberger underwent a "successful outpatient arthroscopic surgery" on his knee and is expected to "make a full recovery."

Tomlin's statement also said that the Steelers are "confident" that Roethlisberger does not have a long-term injury.

The Steelers have not officially revealed details of the injury, but a source confirmed Sunday to ESPN's Adam Schefter that Roethlisberger suffered a torn meniscus that will definitely sideline him for Pittsburgh's upcoming showdown against the New England Patriots.

Roethlisberger was sidelined with 8:18 left in the first half of Pittsburgh's 30-15 loss to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. He was running a bootleg away from Dolphins defensive end Mario Williams, who appeared to nick Roethlisberger's leg as the quarterback made his way out of the pocket.

Roethlisberger said after the game that he "felt something funny in my knee," which prompted a trip to the locker room.

Backup Landry Jones played one full series in place of Roethlisberger, who finished 19-of-34 for 189 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Roethlisberger played the entire second half.

Jones is likely to start Sunday against the Patriots.

In his last extended performance, he threw for 206 yards on 19-of-22 passing in the third preseason game against the Saints. Jones said he's comfortable in weeks like this after four years in offensive coordinator Todd Haley's system. He knows all the nuances of the offense, and the team didn't change the game plan much in a 2015 start at Kansas City, a 23-13 loss.

"The more you play, the more experience you get, the more confidence you get," Jones said. "I'll draw from that if things come to it. We'll see how it all plays out during the week."

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler contributed to this report.