Roethlisberger undergoes ‘minor’ knee surgery

Associated Press

PITTSBURGH

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger underwent what coach Mike Tomlin called “minor” surgery on Wednesday to deal with lingering discomfort in his right knee.

The 31-year-old Roethlisberger, who will miss next week’s minicamp, is expected to return when Pittsburgh opens training camp in July.

“This surgery will have no long-term effects on his health,” Tomlin said.

The surgery is the second one on Roethlisberger’s right knee during his nine-year career. He missed four games in 2005 after having a similar procedure but came back to lead the Steelers to their fifth Super Bowl title.

Roethlisberger had been a full participant during organized team activities but was concerned enough about the knee that he brought it to the team’s attention. Advisors suggested he have the surgery now to give him a clean bill of health when the season begins.

The two-time Super Bowl winner has dealt with a series of issues the last several years. He missed one game and was limited in several others with a right ankle injury in 2011 and sat out three games in 2012 with a cracked rib that was in danger of puncturing his aorta.

Taylor talks up Allen

Cortez Allen shook his head and laughed.

Yes, the third-year Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback heard teammate Ike Taylor proclaim Allen is “going to be [trouble] for a lot of people” when he takes over the starting spot created by Keenan Lewis’ offseason departure.

No, Allen doesn’t want to talk about it.

“I have no control out of what comes out of Ike’s mouth,” Allen said.

What the 24-year-old can control, however, is his work ethic and his confidence. Both appear to be in midseason form.

The former fourth-round draft pick spent his first two years in the league getting his feet set. Now he figures it’s time to show defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau and secondary coach Carnell Lake he’s been paying attention.

Ask Allen what makes him effective and he doesn’t point to his height (6-foot-1) or his strength but what is going on underneath his helmet.

“I try not to panic about anything,” Allen said. “I try not to worry about anything. I try to be positive about everything.”