Steelers QB Roethlisberger suffers concussion

Dec 28, 2008 - 11:28 PM PITTSBURGH (Ticker) -- Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger left Sunday's 31-0 win over Cleveland in the first half with a concussion.

Roethlisberger was sandwiched by Willie McGinest and D'Qwell Jackson and, as he fell, his head smashed into the turf. He was able to move his legs while laying on the ground.

After about a 15-minute delay, Roethlisberger gave a thumbs-up to the crowd as he was carted off the field. He was 9-of-14 for 110 yards and one interceptions before leaving.

The Steelers (12-4) already have clinched the AFC North and could not improve their playoff seeding, but wanted the starters to play at least a half since they don't play for two weeks.

"To this point, all tests are negative, which of course is positive and encouraging," Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. "We are optimistic about where he is going to be capable of being. Again the bye is going to be helpful in regards to that. Again, it is encouraging."

Byron Leftwich finished 7-of-12 for 80 yards in relief.

"Byron is a veteran, franchise-caliber quarterback," Tomlin said. "We have a great deal of confidence in what he can do for us. We always expect him to do well when he goes in and he did that."