Tomlin: Steelers announced Roethlisberger out early because ‘we don't hide'

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FOXBORO -- Why did the Steelers announce that Ben Roethlisberger would be out of action when they could have made things a little bit tougher on the Patriots this week? 

Roethlishberger underwent a surgical procedure on his torn meniscus on Monday, and the Steelers officially ruled him out by Tuesday. That meant that the Patriots knew they'd have to prepare for Landry Jones as they installed their game plan. 

Had the Steelers delayed their announcement, it may have forced the Patriots to spend at least some time preparing for both quarterbacks, perhaps complicating their preparation process somewhat. Why pass up on that opportunity? 

"We’re a transparent group," Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said in a conference call with New England media. "We don’t hide. We are who we are. He had a surgical procedure to address his knee issue so to eliminate any potential questions or distractions regarding his availability and get firmly focused on the task at hand with the man playing quarterback that’s playing quarterback this week. That’s the approach."

And behind closed doors, the Patriots are probably thanking them for it. 

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