Roethlisberger’s recovery could be hastened
Ben Roethlisberger’s broken jaw did not have to be wired shut, a factor that could hasten his recovery from his scary motorcycle accident, and the Steelers quarterback got out of his hospital bed Wednesday to talk with teammates and family members.
Roethlisberger’s doctors said a second round of tests again showed no brain injuries, although he has a concussion. Initial CT scans taken shortly after Roethlisberger’s motorcycle collided with a car at a busy Pittsburgh intersection Monday morning also showed no apparent problems.
Because Roethlisberger’s multiple facial fractures, broken nose and broken upper and lower jaw are being held in place by screws and 2-inch titanium plates, he can eat soft foods – and not be restricted to liquids – during an estimated six- to eight-week recovery period.
“We take a titanium plate, bend it and adapt it to the contours of the facial bones and then secure it in place with screws,” surgeon Daniel Pituch said. “This kind of state-of-the-art technology allowed us to successfully treat Mr. Roethlisberger’s facial fractures.”
As a result, the 240-pound Roethlisberger probably won’t lose as much weight as he would have on an all-liquid diet.
New charges for Henry
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry was charged with providing alcohol to three underage females, his fourth arrest in the last seven months. Henry, 23, surrendered to Kenton County (Ky.) authorities on three misdemeanor counts of unlawful transaction with a minor and posted $2,500 bond.
He was previously prosecuted in Kenton County for a December arrest on marijuana charges, pleading guilty in March and avoiding jail time after completing a drug rehab program.
Titans’ Hopkins retires
Left tackle Brad Hopkins retired after 13 seasons, deciding to leave the game rather than play for a team other than the one that drafted him.
The Tennessee Titans released Hopkins in March for salary cap reasons. He talked with the New York Jets, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Atlanta Falcons and an undisclosed fourth team but chose to stay in Nashville with his wife and children.