After suffering a broken nose on Sunday night against the Ravens and having it surgically repaired on Monday, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will be wearing a clear plastic shield to protect the area, according to Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
The broken nose occurred when Ravens defensive tackle Haloti Ngata struck Roethlisberger in the face while trying to sack him. Ngata was fined $15,000 for the infraction, but a roughing-the-passer penalty was not called.
Frankly, we’re not sure that a clear plastic shield will provide much more protection than a visor in his facemask.
Besides, it’s just a nose. He already has broken it. If he breaks it again, they can fix it again. We’re not sure that the risk of another punch to the proboscis justifies the usage of equipment that could inhibit his performance.
And if there’s some serious injury that could occur if he is hit there again, then he should take a week off to let it heal.