Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger did not stay in a hospital overnight after suffering a concussion Sunday against the Cleveland Browns, but it was uncertain if he will practice this week.
Roethlisberger lay on the ground for nearly 15 minutes after being leveled by two Browns defenders and was strapped to a stretcher as he was carried off the field. He was taken by ambulance to a local hospital but left after tests were concluded.
With a week off before they begin practicing for their Jan. 11 divisional playoff game, the Steelers will work out Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, then take the weekend off. The Steelers expect Roethlisberger to be ready for that game but probably won't rush him back to practice with so much time off before they play again.
Roethlisberger was 9-of-14 for 110 yards and an interception when he left the game late in the second quarter.
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin confirmed during his postgame press conference that the initial tests on Roethlisberger were favorable.
"All tests are negative -- which is a positive," Tomlin said. "We are optimistic of where he is going to be (in the playoffs). The bye is going to be helpful in regards to that."
When Roethlisberger sustained a concussion against Atlanta on Oct. 22, 2006, he returned a week later against Oakland but had one of the worst games of his career -- throwing four interceptions, with two returned for touchdowns -- during a 20-13 loss.
A week after that, Roethlisberger threw for 433 yards but was intercepted three more times during a 31-20 loss to Denver.
Roethlisberger has had at least three concussions in the last three years. He also received one during a June 2006 motorcycle accident. He was not wearing a helmet at the time.
The Associated Press contributed to this report
