CBS Sports NFL analyst and former NFL MVP Boomer Esiason joined Toucher and Rich Monday morning, discussing the likelihood that the Steelers will be without Ben Roethlisberger when they face the Patriots in Week 7.
Roethlisberger reportedly has a torn meniscus in his left knee and was set to undergo surgery Monday, making it at the very least doubtful that he’d be able to play against New England.
If Roethlisberger is unable to play, the Steelers would likely start backup Landry Jones.
“New England had a shot with their backups,” Esiason noted. “I just don’t necessarily know that Landry Jones is the guy that’s going to be the guy that’s going to put up huge numbers, which is what it’s going to take to beat the Patriots.”
The Steelers are one of a small number of teams who are viewed as potential competition for the Pats in the AFC East. Without Roethlisberger, Esiason sees Sunday’s matchup as a letdown.
“As a broadcaster and somebody who works for CBS and somebody who was really looking forward to the Patriots vs. the Steelers, this is a really big disappointment, to be honest with you. I thought we’d have a shootout at Heinz and I think right now the game is definitely tilted in favor of the New England Patriots in a big way.”