Ben Roethlisberger Likely To Miss Patriots Game With Torn Meniscus

BOSTON (CBS) -- The Patriots' road through Pittsburgh just got a lot easier. Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will undergo surgery on Monday morning to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee, making it highly unlikely that he will suit up next Sunday against the Patriots.

There is no timetable for Roethlisberger's return, according to Ron Cook of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Recovery times for a torn meniscus can range from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the severity of the injury and nature of the surgery.

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk confirmed on Monday that Roethlisberger's surgery is actually a "cleanup" procedure, which is not expected to keep him out as long as a full repair. He could have a chance to return following the Steelers' Week 8 bye, but is still likely to be out for Sunday against the Patriots, leaving the Steelers with Landry Jones and Zach Mettenberger at quarterback.

Roethlisberger did return to the Steelers' 30-15 loss to the Miami Dolphins after the injury, which occurred near the end of the first half. He went 15-for-26 with a touchdown and an interception in the second half. Jones briefly replaced Roethlisberger and threw one pass attempt.