Steelers GM: Big Ben not at 'end of the road' like Rivers, Manning
The trio of Ben Roethlisberger, Eli Manning, and Philip Rivers will forever be connected as the top quarterbacks drafted in the lauded 2004 class.
But while the 2019 season was the last for Manning and Rivers with the franchises that selected them 15 years prior, the Pittsburgh Steelers are confident that Roethlisberger has a lot left in the tank despite missing most of the last campaign due to injury.
"We don't think Ben is near there yet," said general manager Kevin Colbert on Thursday, according to Dale Lolley of DKPittsburghSports.com. "We don't think he's at the end of the road."
The New York Giants drafted Daniel Jones as Manning's heir apparent last year, and after losing his starting job to the first-round rookie, Manning retired in January. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Chargers announced on Monday that Rivers will leave as a free agent after one of the worst years of his career.
The Steelers, however, have yet to give any signs they're planning for life after Roethlisberger, who is signed through 2021.
In December, the veteran signal-caller pushed back against rumors that his playing future was uncertain because of the season-ending elbow injury. He vowed to come back "stronger and better than ever" in a tweet.
Colbert echoed Roethlisberger's message, saying that the 37-year-old's rehabilitation has gone according to plan.
'We're hopeful he can make a complete recovery," said Colbert, per Bob Labriola of the Steelers' official website. "So far, he's on course for that."
In 2018, Roethlisberger led the league with 5,129 passing yards and had a career-high 34 touchdown passes.