Roethlisberger anxious to connect with new tight end Green

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger sounded like a kid on Christmas morning anxious to play with a brand new toy.

Roethlisberger, however, will have to be patient. Tight end Ladarius Green, tasked with replacing the ever reliable (and now retired) Heath Miller isn't quite ready yet. Having the athletic Green watch from the sideline during organized team activities and minicamp while recovering from ankle surgery has only ramped up Roethlisberger's eagerness.

"I always joke with him every day, he's like the brand new Ferrari that I have that's in the impound lot, and we're just looking through the fence at it," Roethlisberger said. "I'm excited once I get him on the field and I can see what he can do."

Miller, who retired shortly after the Steelers lost to Denver in the playoffs in January, was the most decorated tight end in team history, and the player Roethlisberger called the best teammate he's ever had at any level.