Big Ben mum on X-ray rumor

Profootballtalk.com editor Mike Florio reported early Thursday that Ben Roethlisberger underwent an X-ray on his rib Wednesday. I got a chance to ask Roethlisberger about it less than an hour later.

Gregg: There was a report on profootballtalk.com earlier today that you underwent an x-ray yesterday. Do you care to comment on the report?

Ben: Nope

Gregg: Is there any truth to the report? 

Ben: I don't know, didn't you just ask me if I was going to comment on that?

At this point Roethlisberger uncomfortably laughed a few times. 

Gregg: How is your back and ribs feeling  after the Baltimore game?

Ben: Fine.

Gregg: Have you had any complications from the injuries?

Ben: Not that I know of.

Roethlisberger clearly wasn't happy to be answering these questions, but he didn't seem surprised by them.  I didn't expect him to confirm the story, but it was telling he chose not to deny getting the x-ray.  He also showed up ten minutes late, which is very rare for these things in my experience.  A conspiracy theorist might think that  he was being prepped to answer the questions.

In the end, it could be usual procedure to get the x-ray or it could be something more.  The only guarantee we have is that the Steelers won't say another word about it.  The players are done with their media responsibilities.  Mike Tomlin will speak one more time Friday.

- Gregg

2:33 PM UPDATE : The incredibly efficient NFL public relations staff distributes daily transcripts of each press conference at the Media center.  My questions to Roethlisberger were omitted from his quote sheet Thursday.

A reporter can only be in so many places, so these sheets are invaluable for all the media in Tampa. Occasionally, some questions are left off by mistake or the sound quality is too poor, but that wasn't the case here.  The questions before and after my inquiries are included in the transcript.  Roethlisberger spoke clearly into microphone when he talked. 

Again, we don't know anything other than what Mike Florio reported.  But it's clear someone is interested in making sure the story doesn't grow any bigger.